ShopDiary

Primary Colored Shoes

I still haven’t worn primary colors together in an outfit and I seem to be determined to do so this spring. That’s probably why I’m inexplicably drawn to these red, yellow and blue pairs of shoes. Who knew there would be several smartly designed primary colored shoes not designed for school aged children. Getting a pair like these would probably solve my dilemma in mixing and matching primary colors in an outfit. OK, it’s not rocket science to do so but I didn’t want to end up looking juvenile so I’ve been over analyzing my primary colored wardrobe choices so far. My heart goes out to the Louboutins on the right but they aren’t very practical and will probably be worn only a few times. I’m not quite sure about the pairs from Marc by Marc Jacobs although they’ll probably get more mileage than the Louboutins. So I guess I’ll go with just mixing ‘n matching. Hmmm. Over analyzing much?

From Left: Marc by Marc Jacobs Cross Over Platform Sandal and 3 Colour Mid Heel Sandal, Christian Louboutin Sling Black Platforms. All photos via BrownsFashion.com

3.1 Phillip Lim for Tatami

3.1 Phillip Lim has teamed up with German brand Tatami* to bring us spring’s new must-have footwear line. The limited edition collection features the classic deep footbed that embodies Birkenstock’s 234 years of shoe making, while incorporating Lim’s sense of cool sophistication and clever attention to details. Using refined, but luxurious materials like patent black leather, cheetah printed pony fur and scarlet red suede, Lim has created styles that are in perfect harmony with his sought-after label but chic enough to be worn on their own. The collection is available at Barneys New York, Eluxury, La Garçonne, Steven Alan, Otte and soon at Net-a-Porter.

*Tatami is an independent brand owned by the Birkenstock family.
Images via Eluxury, La Garçonne and Otte

Phoebe in black patent ($168) also in tan

Athena in cheetah print ($270)

Troy in red suede ($130)

Helen Fringe Sandal in chrome ($150) also in black patent and siena suede

Jane in cheetah print ($190)

Doris in black patent ($180)

Triton in black patent ($170) also in sienne suede

Eros Sandal with Ankle Strap in ink ($180)

Zeus Maya Crisscross Sandal in red suede ($190)

Apollo Lace-Up Sandal in Gloria Blue ($190) also in cheetah print

Peep Toe Ankle Boots

They were impractical last fall/winter but get ready to embrace peep toe ankle boots/oxfords/shoes this spring. Here are some styles from top designer labels. I almost got those Givenchys at the Barneys New York Warehouse Sale were it not for missing shoe laces.

What do you think of this shoe style? Love it or hate it?

Pierre Hardy Design Edition Shoes for Gap Now Online and In Stores

Still another designer collaboration to hit the stores this month, the Pierre Hardy designed shoes for Gap are now available online and in U.S. stores. Only three styles are available right now, including mary jane flats in black and tan, sandal flats in silver and tan, and three-strap platforms in dark brown and khaki. Too bad the gladiator style sandals aren’t available yet. And if Gap should learn anything about collaborating with designers, it’s that they should include the designers’ names on the products. I suppose the products should stand out on their own, as they should. But the reality is, people want it, if only to justify the higher than usual prices.

These Boots Were Made For Walking…

Those Balenciaga F/W 08 boots look interesting from afar…

But up close and by themselves, they look like, uh, used prophylactics. Indeed, the ankle boot versions were paired with printed latex dresses at the end of the show.

[via Style.it]

Target Does Mouse Jelly Shoes

Looks like Target is paying “homage” to Marc Jacobs’ Mouse Jelly Shoes with house brand Xhilaration. I’ve always thought of jelly shoes as ugly and impractical but this design is actually cute. And at $7.99-$8.99 a pair, you can just have fun with it without breaking the bank. Let’s just hope the plastic is as pliable and soft as Marc Jacobs’. Otherwise, blisters aren’t even worth paying $7.99 for.

Pierre Hardy Shoes for Gap

Pierre Hardy’s spring shoe collection for Gap is set to hit 75 U.S. stores and Gap.com on March 6. Last fall, the French accessories designer collaborated with Gap for a footwear collection released in the U.K. and France. The spring line for the U.S. market includes a wooden wedge sandal with an ankle strap in printed fabrics and a chambray. There is also a three strap wooden platform and a flat, leather gladiator style (love!). The shoes will retail for $78 to $98.

Gap.com currently shows the footwear styled with Gap’s limited edition European collection (see photos below). If you really love the three strap wooden platforms, you don’t have to wait until March 6 to purchase them. They are now available online in khaki and dark brown in sizes 37-41 for $98. But don’t go looking for Pierre Hardy’s name on the shoes. They will be marked as “Gap Design Editions” just like last year’s limited release of white shirts from Rodarte, Thakoon and Doo Ri.

Striped button-front dress - navy stripe

Sleeveless belted dress - mayfair khaki

Short empire dress - black

Oversized denim shorts - faded original

[via WWD and L.A. Times]

Manolo Blahnik Marimekko Shoes

Manolo Blahnik’s Spring/Summer 2008 collection includes shoes in the delightful Marimekko pattern Mini-Unikko. If you’re a bit hesitant to go all out on the floral trend this spring, wearing them on your feet will do just fine.

Via Coolhunter:
Apparently, Blahnik had decided to base his latest collection on the wonderful architectural lines he saw in Hagia Sophia, Turkey. He then came upon some Marimekko fabrics in a little shop in Bath, England. According to Blahnik, “the two just happened to fall perfectly into place — as bizarre as that combination may sound.”

Manolo Blahnik ‘Astutado’ d’Orsay pump (Image via Nordstrom)

Manolo Blahnik Mary Jane Slingback (Image via Neiman Marcus)

Marimekko’s signature Unikko floral (Image via Marimekko)

Prada F/W 2008 Shoes

I haven’t had much time lately to pay attention to what went down the runways in London and Milan. But of course, with Prada, which just showed today, it was hard not to. As usual, I tend to zero in on the accessories more than the clothing. Prada’s shoes appear to have fin-like accents at the vamp and heels. Most of them look like artfully placed ruffles. I love it for the originality. They could have done without the nude elastic straps but then those are what probably make the shoes wearable.

What do you think of Prada’s F/W 2008 shoes? Love it or hate it?

[Via Style.com and Yahoo.com]

Gossip Girl Fashion: Blair Waldorf’s Ankle Patent Boots

Spotted: Blair Waldorf’s patent boots from Gossip Girl’s last episode, The Thin Line Between Nate and Chuck. Blair’s quirky tri-color ankle patent boots are by Sam Edelman and the style is called Rita. The ankle boots are already sold out in navy blue but the color is still available in knee-high boots. If you prefer ankle boots, the bordeau is just as gorgeous. Or if you’re a bit daring, how about yellow?

OK. That was just an excuse to post about Gossip Girl. The real dish is that the show is set to resume airing on April 12th. Woohoo!

[Via Chuvaness, Image Source]