8 Bandage Booties And Pumps That’ll Have Your Feet Under Wraps!

imageSure, it’s always sad to see a once-hot trend overstay its welcome, but the good news is that some of our favorite styles don’t necessarily leave the racks forever — they just migrate to another department! What the Herve Leger bandage dress (or its more affordable counterparts) did for the body, the bandage bootie does for the feet (well, sort of). We won’t go as far as describing the footwear trend as “feet-con” in the spirit of “body-con,” but the thick-strapped look is similarly sexy in its banded, wrapped-up appearance. Put a sexy spin on the classic Mary Jane with this banded suede pump by Acne, or go strappy (and save!) with a multi-textured gladiator-style heel from Forever 21. Take a look at the slideshow for 8 varied takes on the bandage heel!

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Chucks Never Go Out Of Style!

imageIt’s really strange to go out now and see that Converse Chuck Taylor high-tops are still being worn by school kids. I think of Chucks as the shoe that sort of defined Generation X, and to see that they’re still so popular is kind of nice. Chucks are great because not only do they look cool, they can be adapted to go with just about any casual outfit, and to say that they’re comfortable is the understatement of the century. You even see some people pushing the look to the limit, wearing their Chucks with formal wear. There’s really no end to what you can do with these shoes. The good thing is that these days, you can get Converse Chucks in all the standard colors, but also in some interesting new styles. So whether you’re into classic looks, or rule breaking, there will always be a pair of Chucks out there for you. Click over to our friends at TheFind for more on these cool kicks!

Warm up With Fur Embellished Winter Boots!

imageAfter making an appearance on the runway at Marc by Marc Jacobs, the fur boot is back. You may recall the mukluk trend from a few seasons ago. Yes, it’s back and it is part of the larger fur trend we are seeing on faux fur vests in particular as well as handbags. So it make sense, but not sure if I am ready to embrace furry winter boots again this year. What do you think of these fur festooned boots? Will you buy them this winter? The style seen on the runway for fall 2009 is the Marc by Marc Jacobs Faux-fur lace-up boot (bottom right, $350 at Net-a-Porter). A completely fur covered boot this will keep your toes nice and toasty during the snowiest of days or perhaps on the slopes apres ski? The gray faux-fur-embellished boots feature black canvas criss-cross laces at the front, silver-tone eyelets and a black rubber sole to prevent slippage on snowy urban sidewalks or while relaxing in the ski lodge. Another style is Givenchy’s Fur-Front Ankle Boot, (top right, $1150 at Saks.com) and obviously not too appropriate for snowy streets, but perhaps a snow-free night out on the town. These rabbit fur embellished booties with a stacked heel will look perfect with black leggings or skinny jeans. For more fur-embellished boots as well as coupons for a stylish steal, click on over to our friends at TheFind!

The Budget Babe Gets The Look for Less: Frye Engineer Boots

imageThese leather Frye Engineer Boots feature buckled strap details at the ankle and around the top. Available in gaucho tan or black, these boots would certainly be a worthwhile investment if you can save up the $198 to purchase them for yourself at Shopbop.com. I bought the Target knock-offs last season and I absolutely adore them. I wear them with skinny jeans and my leatherette jacket for no-fuss everyday style. Now, American Eagle offers a nice alternative at half the cost of the original Frye boots. These are also made from real leather and come in dark brown or black. If they still have my size left when these go on sale, I think I might get a pair in black. Loves it. Check out more wallet friendly finds with our friends at The Budget Babe!

Katy Perry Rocks Rupert Sanderson For Karl Lagerfeld Spring/Summer 2010

imageUK shoe designer Rupert Sanderson recently announced his second collaboration with the legendary Karl Lagerfeld, updating his popular Asteroid and Finesse heel styles for spring/summer 2010. Lagerfeld wanted a futuristic-looking shoe to coordinate with his runway show, and Sanderson obliged by adding a geometric heel, then took it to another level by altering ankle straps to loop under the sole and bolting them in place for a dominatrix-inspired detail. In colors and fabrics like white hot suede and metallic silver leather, they were a dangerously perfect complement to Lagerfeld’s futuristic ‘rock goddess’ collection. Katy Perry attended Lagerfeld’s show in a pair from Sanderson’s debut collection for Karl- what do you think of her front row look? Would you wear these shoes? (See more of them here.)

Tell us your thoughts in the comments section below!

Mojito shoe by Julian Hakes

London architect Julian Hakes has designed a pair of shoes with no foot plate. (more…)

CollegeCandy Wishlist: Adidas Ballerina Sneaker-Flats

imageI love flats. I practically wear them every day and to all occasions. I can’t even remember what I used to wear before I started slipping on those cute and comfy babies. Wait, yes I do. It was sneakers (love my Chucks), but I had to find something else after I realized that old school Nikes are not acceptable for all occasions. Like job interviews. And now Adidas has taken my two favorite forms of footwear and morphed them into one mega shoe: the Gazelle Ballerina. Not to quote Miley Cyrus or Hannah Montana or whoever she chooses to be today, but you do get the best of both worlds with these shoes. Revel in the cuteness and convenience of a flat and the stylishness and comfort of a sneaker with its rubber outsole for added support. So if, like the Spice Girls, you’ve got a little Posh and a little Sporty to ya, these shoes are your perfect match. And if you find yourself running from parties when campus security shows up, these are probably right for you too. It’s the girls in stilettos who always get caught. Hit up CollegeCandy for more cute footwear finds!

Our Top 5 Over-The-Knee Boots for Fall!

imageMove over leggings, “jeggings” and pantslessness, you’ve got some leg-covering competition this fall! Over-the-knee boots were all the rage this season and are the perfect shoe to add to your collection. Hussein Chalayan added garter belts, Prada made rubber waders stylish, and Stella McCartney’s faux-leather leggings were actually boots that pulled up to to mid thigh. With their eighties-meets-Pretty Woman vibe, they pair well with the micro minis, but choose a chunky or flat heel or an oversized sweater to balance out their sex appeal. Let them slightly slip down the thigh for relaxed, slouchy appearance or add a sexy garter belt for a daring DIY twist. Check out the slideshow for our five favorite pairs!

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Three Ways To Wear Ankle Boots This Fall

imageI’ve gotten a couple requests regarding how to wear ankle boots, which are boots that end at or just above the ankle. These boots are especially hot for Fall 2009, but here are some things to consider should you choose to wear them:

-If you’re tall, you’re in luck — for the most part: Ankle boots can make even the leggiest lass look stubby, so use a mirror. Dare to wear your ankle boots with bare legs and a mini dress.
-If you’re short: Pair your ankle boots with tights, leggings or pants that are the same color as the boot to create the longest line possible. Ankle boots have a tendency of visually chopping you off at the ankle, so be aware of this. Try topping your look with a fitted, cropped jacket to elongate your torso.
-If you’re plus size: Go for a monochromatic look on the bottom to slim and lengthen your silhouette. Pair with something like an a-line, 3/4-length-sleeve dress in a body skimming (not hugging) fabric that falls at or just above the knee.
-Everyone: I’m stating the obvious here, but the higher the heel, the more height you’ll get, hence the more likely you are to nail this look. But I love ankle boots with a low heel, too, since they’re more comfortable for daily wear. And anything over 4 inches can start to look vampy. Also, below-the-knee and long skirts don’t seem to work with ankle boots no matter what your body type. Looks frumpy.

Here are 3 ways to wear ankle boots:
Left: With dark tights. On top, you could really wear any number of dresses, but I’ve chosen a very of-the-moment girly floral dress and black leather jacket combo. Difficulty level: Easy as pie.
Center: With cropped pants. Notice how that little chunk of white flesh visually breaks up my leg line? Yeah, it’s not the most flattering thing in the world but it does have a fashion-y vibe that I like. You could wear dark tights under your pants to streamline the look (or add warmth when its cold). Try this look with harem pants if you’re uber brave; cigarette pants if you’re like me and slightly less of a risk-taker. Difficulty level: Hard.
Right: With leggings. This season, there are dozens of prints and fabrics to choose from for your leggings. The simplest solution is to pick black leggings with black ankle boots. Tuck in or scrunch over depending on the circumference of the boot shaft. Difficulty level: Intermediate.

Once you’ve mastered the ankle boot trend, don’t forget to head over to The Budget Babe for more style tips that will go easy on your wallet!

Modern Footwear Meets Urban Romance With 80%20 Shoes At Karmaloop!

imageThe new 80%20 Shoes fall collection has just landed at Karmaloop.com! Designer and owner CeCe Chin first conceived the New York-based label in 2004, when she came up with the concept that 80% of the time we tend to wear our favorite 20% of our wardrobe. The smallest percent has the greatest impact. 80% life, 20% shoes = 100% LOVE! Genius, right? The new collection yields nothing short of stylish and chic footwear. Chin found inspiration in the urban romance and creative vision prevalent in the early 80s, particularly in NYC. Strength and femininity are pervading themes throughout the collection, as she updates her signature hidden wedges with cut outs, buckles and chains. Classic references are also drawn with bridle leather, buffalo check patterns and neutral color palettes. The complete collection presents itself as the footwear for a modern city warrior, arming herself with creativity, functional style and optimism for possibilities to come! My favorite picks are the Ruby Gathered Hidden Wedge Boot, the Zoey Geisha Gladiator Wooden Wedge and the Bobbie Gathered Hidden Wedge Boot. Click “See Video” to watch women’s buyer Jessica Perez’s rundown of the collection, then check the slideshow for some of the styles available at Karmaloop!

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