A Short history of shoe style:

How far have we come and how far have we gone? Here is a great little shoe style infographic on how our favorite shoe trends aligned with history:

infographic courtesy of farfetch.com

Read more >>

Badgley Mischka's Silver Anniversary - Spring 2015

A quarter century together!  Designers Mark Badgley and James Mischka may have tied the knot last year but their life and label have been official for 25 years.   My former draping teacher at Parsons had fond memories of watching the two of them work together at a corner table in the classroom in the years before I attended the school myself.

The spring 2015 collection of Badgley Mischka was a parade of elegant day looks and dream gowns.  Fluid silk pants and flirty skirts were paired with tweed jackets with motorcycle styling or luxe cardigans for daytime.  Evening wear had a gorgeous palette of light purple, pale blue, different shades of grey and caramel. 

Many of the bodices or skirts were lavishly embellished with jewels, moonstones and satin flowers.  The embroidery was layered on top of lace and tulle.  Rich beading was also used to accent the key print of an elaborate cherry blossom pattern.

Accessories were almost as impressive.  There was a very sophisticated backpack that upgrades the entire category.  There was a giant jeweled bow on a shoulder.  Big clear Lucite cuff bracelets were made luxurious with shining stones.  Small box clutch handbags had a subtle, holographic finish and decorated with rhinestone motifs.  Shoes had delicate straps, often two-toned with python finish leather and embellished with jewels or shiny hardware. 

The show’s finale included a shower of balloons and a surprise appearance of Naomi Campbell who walked in Badgley Mischka’s first runway show.  Now I can’t wait to see their golden anniversary show!

photos by Mariana Leung

Read more >>

Miz Mooz Shoes Loves New York

 I couldn’t dream of a better New York night than one spent with the team of Miz Mooz shoes this past week.  It was a warm, early evening where a bunch of my fellow bloggers and I stretched our way through an invigorating yoga class.  We were absolutely spoiled with the backdrop of the sun setting on the Manhattan skyline.

That’s the sentiment I have with Miz Mooz shoes.  They are a homegrown New York brand that is like the savvy girlfriend that first welcomed you to Gotham and took you shopping.  Miz Mooz is where many ladies got outfitted to begin their sophisticated fashion girl life and the telltale bright orange bag.  Their shoes have that distinct vintage styling and quirky details that you recognize on the streets Downtown.  They are built to be comfortable and sturdy because New Yorkers walk everywhere. 

Miz Mooz had their fall styles up for a tryout during the yoga session.  There were many boot options, from short booties to knee high lengths. I love the retro closures of the buttons along the side on styles like the Normandy and Denise.  I used to see styles like this in movies, vowing to buy them when I became a grown-up.  The “Flirt” bootie had a curved, wrapped zipper detail.   They were all made from hand-finished leather.  There were of course the basic dark black, brown and grey colors that every New Yorker owns.  If you want to branch out, they also offer rich bright reds and blues online to add that pop accent to your outfit.

My favorite shoe for fall has to be the Kimmy, with its T-strap and curved heel.  T-straps always remind me of ballroom dance, the curved heels give me support without looking clunky.  The heart-shaped detail at the front and they are offered in grey or black just works with my wardrobe. 

Like every Gotham girl, she longs to travel after she conquers the city.  Miz Mooz shoes are now available all over the country and online.  I like knowing that wherever I end up, I can always have my New York city favorites right next to me.

 Disclosure: This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Miz Mooz Shoes.

Photos by Mariana Leung

Read more >>

DreamWalk with Heidi Klum

Are comfortable high heels an urban myth? Together with Heidi Klum, Dr. Scholl's launched DreamWalk, a line of products aimed to make he most fashionable footwear more friendly.

It is no secret that the Manolo Blahniks and Louboutins of the world look fierce.  However, even designer Jimmy Choo admitted that his shoes were not meant to be worn more than 2 hours.  Countless medical studies back that up, yet in the fashion world, sexy shoes are here to stay.

So here is where old-school footwear specialists Dr. Scholl's comes in.  Some of the new helpers include High Heel Insoles. These make stilettos more comfortable via gel arch supports that take the pressure off the ball of the food and wicking fabric that keep feet dry.  There are DreamWalk Sole Expressions Heel Liners that prevent blisters and help fit. There are lots of cushions, creams and files to help your feet after taking those shoes off too.

As a supermodel and tv host, Heidi Klum has definitely spent plenty of hours in painful shoes.  The launch event even had monster-like representations of how bad shoes feel (which actually would make for fun footwear).

I know I can't part with my favorite pumps.  At least I know I have allies to keep me sane.

Read more >>

J. Mendel Spring 2014

How many ways can you wear lace?  J. Mendel's Spring 2014 collection at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week was a beautiful showcase of dresses.  There was an abundance of fishtail gowns perfect for the awards season red carpet.  Beaded, crochet, cutwork textures were pieced together in seam lines that emphasized flattering curves of the body.  Satin faced organza and silk crepe gave a light, airy, translucent look that hinted at the body underneath but didn't reveal it.  

The color palette was light, in a chiffon yellow, raspberry, peach, taupe and accents of black and ivory.  There were just a few fur accented pieces, much less than previous seasons considering this was originally a fur label.  Perhaps there just are as many fur customers in the spring.  

Handbags were structured, oblong shapes picking up the colors of the clothing. Some were color blocked.  The shoes had narrow stiletto heels with curving style lines around the foot.  The mix of sheer and solid echoed the theme of the clothing, though not literally.

A palm front motif was implemented in some pieces.  Sometimes it was a literal green leafed print, others it was a texture in a brocade.

J. Mendel is the master of sexy, luxe and ladylike.  It's no surprise that I see this label on celebrity after celebrity.  Perfectly tasteful, I picture Joan Rivers being frustrated when she does her Fashion Police recap.
Photos by Mariana Leung

Read more >>

Bling It On! Show Hpnotiq Your Heels to WIN

Did you ever think that you should be rewarded for your love of shoes?  Hpnotiq believes you do.  They are hosting a multiple week challenge where you show off the most GLAM heels of your collection and you can win amazing fashion prizes for your style.

For the first round, you can win your choice of designer shoes (up to $800).  The Hpnotiq Glammest Heels challenge asks you to submit the best shoe look that you can find (your own or your wish list).  To enter, you need to submit your image to Hpnotiq’s Facebook page or follow and tweet it @Hpnotiq.  Just make sure you tag it #GLAMLOUDER to make sure they see it. They will choose four fashionistas from this contest to gift with designer footwear.  Winners of this challenge are automatically entered into the grand prize where you (and three of your BFF’s) are flown out to Los Angeles to get makeovers and shop with a certain celebrity who definitely knows how to shop.  You’ll also star in your own photo shoot which might also be the next Hpnotiq ad!  You need to enter this contest by June 16, 2013.

Prizes for the other rounds include a years’ worth of manicures and pedicures, a $1000 makeup shopping spree at Ulta or Sephora or your favorite designer handbag.  The next few contests run for the weeks after the first round until the final stage at July 28, 2013.

Hpnotiq to me was always synonymous with flashy nights out where all the women are dressed to kill.  A contest that attracts the most dedicated of this bunch is the perfect fit is it not?  Yes ladies, I can’t imagine a better way to justify your beauty routine or shopping than have your nightlife host bestow upon you a crowning trophy of your style.

Click here for full contest rules.   Good luck and win BIG!

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Hpnotiq via Single Edition Media.The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Hpnotiq.

Read more >>

Spring Shoe Trends

Oh yay! With the weather thawing out, boots open up and toes come out for spring shoes.  I can’t wait to shop for my favorite footwear trends for spring.

One of the biggest spring trends all over the runways was the mix of artistic prints.  Abstract floral, brushstrokes and kaleidoscope patterns have made every fashion item a canvas.  Spring shoes are no exception.  Many designers on spring 2013 catwalks crafted shoes to coordinate to the patterns of the clothes.  For my budget-friendly designer picks, you can’t go wrong with Prabal Garung’s pumps and laced up sandal in a “Nolita”print for Target (only $40).  If you want something more romantic, go for Xhilaration’s dark floral Sae pumps for only $30. 

The wedge was a big hit for fall and reconstructed in more spring friendly trims for the upcoming season.  I love wedges because they are safer (for clumsy me) to walk in than your typical stiletto.  Spring materials like cork, rattan, rope wood give it a bit of a warm rustic edge, while still keep styles sophisticated.  You can mix up all sorts of colors, contrast trims and configurations with a pump.  Stripes give you a nautical look, bows are ladylike and solid colors are bold enough for any spring dress.  All these fun styles come from Merona, Xhilaration and Target’s shoe collection, starting at $17 and topping out at $75.

Are you ready to step out of your boots and into the sunshine? I am.

It’s Time for Springtime.

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Target via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Target.

Read more >>

Carolina Herrera Fall 2013

She's the Duchess of NY Fashion Week.  Carolina Herrera brings elegance and luxury to the prestige set.  Her Fall 2013 collection brought many shades of grey, brown, red and blue to the runway.  Fur wraps and impeccably tailored jackets enveloped ladies who were destined to lunch.  

Beautifully rendered daywear evolved into long, more colorful gowns perfect for the next charity gala.  The shoe of choice was clearly a two-toned strappy sandal in multiple colors to match the clothes.  I can't imagine a misstep in this collection, which screams American class.  

Click to see the full collection:

photos by David TW Leung

Read more >>

NY FASHION WEEK: Anna Sui Fall 2013

Why do the models of an Anna Sui fashion show always look like they walked out of a Wes Anderson movie?  It's that quirky, bohemian chic.  This season, Ms. Sui seems to run out of NYC flea markets and shopped at the Paris ones.  The soundtrack to the show was 1960's inspired French pop.

The mixed geometric patterns and crafty-looking knits looked adorable.  The palette of coordinating brights and more subdued shades worked really well. While I often think much of Anna Sui's collections are immature, I grudgingly admit I would love to wear a lot of the looks on this season's runway. Perhaps I'm regressing. 

The over sized cross pendant necklace was the jewelry of choice.  The boxy handbags looked like the purses of my grandmother, except with a modern update of colorful fabrics.  Shoes had the same crafty look with a mix of coordinating colors that worked back to the clothing ensembles.

Until I become queen of my own Moonrise Kingdom, I'll be content with shopping off this runway...

Read more >>

Modern Vice - Made in NY

What are your vices?  Are they funky, upscale footwear made in the heart of New York's Garment District? The Adoni family is a multi-generational shoe producer.  Jordan and Jensen Adoni are shoe design entrepreneurs whose father opened a factory in Brooklyn many years ago.

The two brothers are now bringing their love of New York to their label, Modern Vice.  The upscale shoes are made with luxury materials right in the heart of Midtown's fashion center.  If you visit their factory, you will see skilled artisans dying, cutting and stitching the products right in front of your eyes.  The brothers themselves are very hands-on.  You could probably find them at the factory any day of the week morning or late night.

The trip to their factory was the highlight of an evening hosted by hot NYC retailer, Cloak and Dagger, which showcased some of their other top collections as well.

Like your food, it pays in style and conscience to shop local.  Check out more photos of the Modern Vice factory and event here:

Read more >>

Nicole Miller Spring 2013

Nicole Miller's spring 2013 collection was one of the best I have seen from her in years. The runway at New York fashion week had pretty, feminine floral prints put together with artsy watercolor prints in bright colors.

The collection was kept from being too sweet by pairing the soft with more cosmopolitan black and grey leather. Multi seamed dresses and tops had a stained glass window effect.

The prints translated into the shoes, along with metallic versions of some of the print colors. Sexy, strappy platform heels were paired with transparent geometric shapes in the jewelry. The hard edges were a complementary look with the soft fabrics.

In the 1990's, Nicole Miller practically owned the category of "conversational" prints... Black backgrounds with cute, colorful motifs of girly motifs. Then, the designer became the go-to for prom dresses. A few seasons ago, Joe Zee's show, "All on the Line" spotlighted how this savvy designer struggled with a brand identity crisis to be recognized as a fashion forward sportswear designer.

I'm happy to say that this designer is over that hump. I would be happy to shop anything from the runway. The clothes were very wearable, but with a bit of an edge. It was as off they were designed for the girl of the 1990's in school who grew up into today. (Okay, I might be identifying a little closely).

I did have a makeup case with the famous "Nicole Miller" print that I unfortunately had stolen years ago. In the '90's, I almost broke up with an ex when he shrunk my favorite cashmere sweater dress from the designer. Perhaps I never had closure (no loss on the ex), but maybe I always felt like i was left there was a fashion void that needed to be filled.

Read more >>

Street Style Accessories: Summer Edition

When the sun is beating us into submission, clothes reduce to a minimum and accessories ramp up to a maximum.  Intel's Ultrabook is this season's sleekest tech accessory and its ready to hit the streets.  In honor of Ultrabook, I went hunting through the streets of New York with my trusty Instagram...  I tracked boho divas down on the Lower East Side then bagged some of my best fashionistas in the Garment District during an open casting call of NBC's Fashion Star...

Summer's top trends of neon, rattan and bold prints were well represented in handbags.  In jewelry, earrings could be huge door knockers or demure, but brightly colored (different for each side).  Statement rings are slowly competing with statement necklaces as the conversation piece.  Heavy jeweled cuffs can also double as tools for self defense.  In shoes, bold hues and platform heels make loafers sexy, while DIY bedazzled ballet slippers were very sweet.  

What accessories are YOU rocking this summer?  I'll soon have you in my cross hairs!

Now you don’t have to sacrifice beauty for power. Introducing the ultra-sleek, ultra-responsive Ultrabook™, Inspired by Intel. Visit intel.com/ultrabook for more information.

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Intel via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Intel.

Read more >>

Parsons Fashion Show - Accessories

The graduating class of Parsons School of Design students held their finale show Tuesday. I have a very long list of photographs that I need to edit from the runway show. In the meantime, I wanted to showcase the accessories designers that were on display outside of the auditorium.

Fanciful platforms with avant-garde heels dominated the shoe category. Mixed colors, patterns and structures elevated the footwear into high art.

In handbags, Coach and Li & Fung were major sponsors. Thus, the purses on display were a mix of practical, functional and highly fashionable. Creativity blossomed in the mixed materials and treatments. There were some interesting frames and multi seamed silhouettes that would look perfect on the shelves of Bergdorf's or Bendel's!

Read more >>

Naturalizer Fall Collection & Shoe Giveaway

Not your mother's shoes...That was the message that the Naturalizer team set out to show shoppers last week.  My younger sister wouldn't let my own mother walk into a Naturalizer store for years to ween her away from frumpy but ultra-comfortable shoes.  

Angelique Joseph, the brand's director of product design has overhauled the look and direction for today's fashionistas.  The chic designer set out with distinctive trends to design around this fall.  My favorite, the ultra-hip "Mad Men" influenced retro-style.  This included vintage details like suede pleats and demure bows.  These were updated with stacked heels with platforms and stitched color blocked panels.  

Another direction was the Americana-inspired shearling collection. Rugged suede and warm shearling, faux fur were interpreted into trend-right platform boots.  

Naturalizer is not about style without substance.  The new design direction does not pull the brand away from its roots.  The team invited guests of their Fall fashion event to try out the actual shoes.  They are offered across a wide range of sizes and widths.  The pleasant surprise was stacked platform heels, prim pointed heels were actually very flexible and comfortable.  Their signature wearability was not lost in the stylistic revamp, and their price point stayed friendly too.

So...Are you inspired?  What if I told you that we're giving away a pair of these shoes for you to try yourself?  Check out their website and tell us which style is YOUR favorite in the comments section and we'll pick a winner at random.  (Winner chosen on October 31st).

UPDATE 11/1/11: Congratulations Eva Jiang!

Read more >>