Recently in Shoes Category

Come to mama you lovely lovely espadrille!! Last year I got a pair of Choo's wedge espadrilles and lived in them, how are they so comfortable? And for summer, what can be more appropriate and carefree? In python, we are upping the ante in awesomeness by a thousand. It would be a million if it were real python but for espadrilles, it would be a bit excessive so I am ok with a smaller amount of fabulousness here. Ankle straps are my sexy favorites, so for a summer night out, while on a beach or coastal vacation, you can dress this way up for added swagger in your strut. At Saks Fifth Avenue for $395.

Swedish fast-fashion giant H&M looks to have another hit on its hand--this time courtesy of Sonia Rykiel. The French "Queen of Knits" launched her second collection (the first being a lingerie line) with a party in Manhattan last week that had all the core looks on display. Previewing them up close for the first time, it's quintessential Rykiel--Parisian chic. The pieces, out February 20 in 250 H&M stores, are whimsical yet wearable. No surprise that color was a key characteristic of the line, which offers a little something for everyone: from adorable bracelets and wedge sandals to flirty cocktail dresses and oversized overalls. There's even a separate children's line for ages 1 ½ to 8 years old. Is it a little kitschy? Undoubtedly. Is the studded beret a little costumey? Yes. But the quality is surprisingly soft and nice to the touch. The key here, as is with all these hi-low collaborations, is to mix and match the pieces with a well-edited eye, natch. The ruffles are signature Rykiel, as are the vertical stripes featured throughout. Take note, ladies: horizontal stripes are not made for every body shape; try, try, try these on. My favorite piece? The rainbow-hued strapless dress is true knit wit! To the trained eye, it screams Rykiel! To everyone else? Très chic!

Kirkwood for Wonderland?  Now this is dreamy!  Nicholas Kirkwood was recently asked by Printemps department store to create a special shoe for a window display to be revealed at the same time as Tim Burton-directed "Alice in Wonderland," which opens March 5.

Kirkwood is the only accessories designer invited to participate.  Printemps also invited Haider Ackermann, Charles Anastase, Manish Arora, Chloé, Ann Demeulemeester, Christopher Kane, Alexander McQueen, Maison Martin Margiela and Bernhard Willhelm to interpret Alice's dress.  I will be in Milan in March and am now tempted to stop in Paris just to see the window displays at Printemps!

It seems the race for expensive shoes continue despite the lack of improvement in the economy-- the latest, $7,500  shoes designed, engineered and developed by Pasquale Fabrizio, often referred to as "the shoe cobbler to the stars.

Fabrizio defended the price by explaining the shoes are made of murano glass and 24-carat gold beading.  The official unveiling will take place on Jan. 29 during a champagne reception at Fabrizio's Los Angeles studio. On display will be five styles from the über-limited, 100-pair collection.  The designer also said he's looking for his next Cinderella.  Uh, no thanks-- I prefer my murano on my table and my gold on my neck.  What about you?

I'm obsessed with Lucila Iotti shoes! The super sexy shoes are designed by Iotti in her hometown of Buenos Aires where her father, Jorge Iotti, began his tailoring shop in 1920 (the designer has a boutique there as well...can't wait till March when I'm in Argentina to check it out!). Iotti uses a variety of colors and textures (patent leather, suede, satin, vinyl...) -- her shoes are definitely not for the shy. They're bold, loud, and demand attention, but paired with a LBD and some confidence they're simply magnifique! On a side note, Patricia Field has been a vocal admirer of this brand, so I wouldn't be surprised if one of these shoes make an appearance in SATC II:-) So far the shoes are only sold at the boutique in Argentina, but email info@lucilaiotti.com with the name of the style you like and they can mail it to you via Fedex (prices start at 710 pesos which is around $540).

I popped into Gap's New York showroom yesterday to preview their upcoming collections and, much to my delight, discovered that it's all about "Brand Americana" for summer (think floral, folk rock, homegrown and white-on-white)! It makes particular sense given the brand's American roots (not to mention they're sponsoring this year's Costume Institute Gala, whose theme is "American Women: Fashioning a National Identity.") But my eyes were immediately drawn to the shoes, and I was happy to learn that Gap's partnership with Pierre Hardy continues on! What do you think of this first-look at the summer collection? The capsule includes three wedge styles and one flat denim gladiator version. The scarf-tie wedge is pretty cute to wear with an eyelet dress or skirt while the denim ones would like quite balanced with a thin motorcycle jacket and cigarette pants. Needless to say, these aren't the works of couture art Mr. Hardy does for Balenciaga, Hermès or his own line, but they continue to be a great way for every stylish girl to get herself a little bit of French-infused design!

$98 available at select Gap stores May 4

I had a moment of insanity and almost took these boots instead of my new Givenchy tote but luckily my friend Judy from Atlantishome.com talked me out of it. Judy felt that 2010 will bring a new direction in shoes and that I wouldn't wear these more than a season (and for $1550 they better last years!). She is a total shoe snob so I knew if she thought this silhouette is going to be over soon, it must be.  I still love these cutout boots-- they are so fitted and tapered which is ultra flattering.  But that doesn't mean I am willing to shell out that kind of dough for it.  What I will do, however, is wait for it to go 70% off :) 
Gucci Helena boots $1,550.00

What do you think of them? 

I am officially stalking Diane Kruger, I pined for her killer Bottega Galuchat clutch earlier this week and now I'm drooling over her Pucci cutout gladiator sandals.  Yes, my snobs, these studded, strapped and sky high platform bad ass heels are not Gucci, Zanotti or Prada.  They are from none other than Pucci (of the multi hued and multi swirled fame).  Surprised?  I sure was, albeit pleasantly so.  This is a departure from the usual kalaidescope of colors from the brand and I for one and pleased to see the new direction.  What about you?

Emilio Pucci Cutout studded leather sandals here $1150

File this one under love it or hate it.

On the heels of its hugely successful collaboration with H&M,Jimmy Choo this morning announced that it is partnering with UGG Australia to launch a limited edition, five-piece collection debuting in October. The label on each shoe will read: "Ugg & Jimmy Choo." This marks the first time the two footwear labels have worked together and the results will undoubtedly be eagerly anticipated by loyal fans of both brands. Given Jimmy Choo's luxe sex appeal, I personally cannot wait to see how glamorous these new Ugg boots will be (images were not readily available).

What I do know is that the collection will be based on the construction of Ugg's signature sheepskin boots "with design details that embody the spirit of the Jimmy Choo brand," the two companies said in a statement. Tamara Mellon, president and founder of Jimmy Choo, said that alongside her own label, "Ugg Australia is the only other footwear I have in my wardrobe."

Prices will range from $595 to $795--undeniably expensive--and the collection will be carried at select Jimmy Choo and Ugg Australia, online, as well as at certain department and specialty stores that carry Jimmy Choo.

A sheepskin stiletto boot? I don't know if I can handle that--but only time will tell.