This year, the designer labels seem to agree the t-strap “flip flop” is their casual trend of choice. It’s like the gladiator sandal from the past two seasons that decided to shed its straps.
The look is either a single, feminine strap or adorned with chucky stones. You could also opt for something a little more durable and simple.
Honestly, I don’t think any of these are MUST HAVES, but trust me when I tell you, you will find something you love at every price point in this fun flat.
Woven Leather!
Espadrille Wedges!
Studded Cuffs!
Two-tone Metals!
OH MY!
Spring styles you’ll want in your wardrobe. Don’t want to splurge for the real deal? Not to worry, you’ll see variations of these trends all over the place.
(Top to bottom: Elizabeth and James, Christian Louboutin, Balmain, Valentino. All at Neiman Marcus Beverly Hills. Contact Charles for more info.)
These two shoes would glam up your entire summer wardrobe. Although I believe these shoes are worth the splurge, if you don’t, you’ll also find comparable looks at every price point. The traits you should hunt for:
- Sky high heels
- Classic color – I’m into brown and gold over black and silver
- A little something special: studs, bows, buckles
Other shoe trends to look out for:
- Wedges
- Mesh
- Denim
- Zippers
- T strap flats
The shoes shown above will transcend trends and you’ll get a couple years out of them for sure. Brand names aren’t a guarantee, but you can bet they will hold up for at least two solid years.
For instance, here are the “trendy” shoes I’ll be wearing this spring and summer, and they’re all from previous seasons:
Left to right:
- Sergio Rossi (trends: denim, strappy)
- Michael by Michael Kors (trends: gray, zipper)
- Marni (trends: sexy casual sandal, brown, platform)
As for my metallic, I think I can get one more year out of these Sergio Rossis:
I get compliments on the studded heels every time I wear them even thought the over-sized gold buttons are dated.
Now, I realize no one wants to wear heels every night. These days, trends lend to a more casual attire so you don’t always need a high heel. That’s where the wedge comes in.
I just picked up this pair by Dolce Vita ($180) – they are the PERFECT summer shoe!! The soft leather wedge works for day and night, gives your leg length without a super high heel, is a classic with a little character (aka the zipper), and works with 8 out of 10 outfits you’ll wear this summer.
–By Kallah Maguire, The Stylist
Zachary Smile (Silver Lake, Los Angeles; New York)
“OMG, I love your necklace, where is it from?” “A warehouse in Canada.” “What?” “Ok maybe it’s from Zachary’s Smile, but keep that hush-hush. A lot of their jewelry is one of a kind vintage, so we don’t want everyone beating us to the stash!”
Intelligentsia coffee in hand, you round the corner from Sunset onto Santa Monica Blvd, pass the T-Mobile store, and head under the black and white striped awning into Zachary’s Smile. Once inside you’ll find their in-house line of reworked vintage classics and actual vintage jewelry and accessories. Need something for a cocktail party, or a casual get together with the girls? Zachary’s has got your back! Their price points are very reasonable for an exceptionally well cut contemporary line, and their sales are to die for (so make sure you get on their mailing list!) Now you can get your one of a kind African print mini dress ($198 – $228), vintage cowboy boots ($65- $100), and exclusively stylish necklace ($28 – $45) all under one roof. Lucky you!
Special deal that will put a smile on your face – 20% off all full priced merchandise now through the end of February at all Zachary’s Smile locations (Silver Lake, Ca, and New York.) when you mention that Kallah of The Emerald Scarab and MTM sent you!
Zachary’s Smile
Los Angeles
4014 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90029, between Sanborn Ave. and Manzanita St.
(323) 668-1900
Hours: Mon – Sat 11 – 7, Sun 12 – 6
New York – Greenwich Village
9 Greenwich Avenue, New York, NY 10014
(212) 924-0604
Hours: Mon – Sat 12 – 8, Sun 12 – 7
New York – Noho
317 Lafayette St, New York, NY 10012
Phone: 212-965-8248
Hours: Mon – Sat 12-8, Sun 12-7
Connect on Facebook
zacharyssmile.com
Intelligentsia Coffee
3922 West Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90029, between Sanborn Ave. and Hyperion Ave.
Hours: Sun – Wed 6am – 8am, Th – Sat 6am – 11pm
(323) 663-6173
On the web
I know you’re still freezing cold over there on the East coast, but don’t fret, spring is on the way. Here’s a sneak peek at some sandals you’ll be lusting over oh so soon!
Top left going clockwise: Elizabeth and James, Manolo Blahnik, Balenciaga, Fendi, Elizabeth and James, Casadei.
BTW…you can afford the E&J’s.
(Photos via my main man Charles at Neimans in Beverly Hills)
Talk about a party shoe?! Have fun tonight in honor of Chanel!
Are these boots a-made for walkin’ or workin’?
By Brandon Trentham
Awww the thigh high. I Mean……from the eyes of a respectful man these are still a head turner! They seem to turn the 6’s and 7’s to 8’s and 9’s if you know what I mean. My lady friends might not understand it, but the fellas just get it.
First, to answer your big question: no, you don’t look like a slut when you wear thigh highs.
Now that we’ve got that out of the way, let’s talk style.
If you want to play it safe but still be trendy, go with a pair of black or brown leather. Distressed or suede will give you a little more edge.
Now, if you’re really in the mood to look hot, splurge for patent leather with lace up backs or periwinkle pleather studded out. Now you’re telling me, “I’m not workin the corner but I can still rock out” kinda girl. Cue my drool.
My favorite Bang-for-your-buck line that’s got it all covered(price, style, colors, options, sex appeal,etc.) is definitely Report Signature. On the other end of the spectrum is Robert Clergerie, but you’d have to be a BFD to get your hands on a pair. The empty you purse/wallet designer has customized footwear for Madonna,Bianca Jagger, and the French first lady Carla Bruni-Sarkozy.
Here’s the bottom line on thigh highs: You CAN turn a “Pretty Woman” into a house wife BUT she doesn’t have to buy new shoes(this season).
Have you found your “motorcycle” boots yet?
I am loving my Tory Burch that are neither grungy nor clunky. They are motorcycle inspired 
Here’s the secret to the tend: distressed with buckles. That’s really all you need. Zippers work too. But they’re the ultimate casual, trendy boot. I’m not so grungy, so I chose a pair that is more my style, a little more chic. Find something that suits you.
HOT BOOTS FOR THE COLD MONTHS!
I haven’t been to my Mom’s store yet so I thought I would check in on her accessories tumblr. She hasn’t updated in a while, but it looks like a lot of items are selling.
I’m not sure how these babies escaped a savvy shopper’s clutches, but if you’re a size 7, this pair of Alberta Ferreti satisfies several Winter trends:
- Tall
- Flat
- Croc
- Velvet! (That’s not easy to come by.)
And now they’re on sale for $190!
Mom (aka Terry) 713-334-9327 or terry@encorehouston.com
I’ll post some other winners when I make it over there.
designeraccessoriesforless:
Alberta Ferretti
Size 37/7 $230.00
