Line To Watch: Finsk By Julia Lundsten

imageWhen Manolo Blahnik uses words like “exquisite, “divine,” and “perfect” to describe your shoe designs, you know you’re on the up and up (and not just in terms of heel height). That’s exactly where designer Julia Lundsten is going with her line Finsk. Launched in 2004, her collection of crazy designs and quirky, sculptural heels has her dubbed as the Eames of footwear. While attending London’s Royal College of Art she won the prestigious Manolo Blahnik Award 2 years in a row. Her inspiration from architecture and furniture is visible in the details of her shoes. Her love of furniture design extends to her way of thinking too — considering the heel and the sole as the chair’s legs and the upper as the seat, her shoes always seem to cradle the foot perfectly. With an unconventional style, the pumps, ankle booties, and boots all feature heels hand-carved from sustainable hard woods from Brazil. If that doesn’t get you walking tall, I don’t know what will! Check out the slideshow to see some of her signature styles.

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Stylehive’s Stylescopes Help You Find Your Perfect Fall Boots!

imageThe winds have shifted and cooler weather is on it’s way! While this does mean an end to many favorite fun-in-the-sun activities of summer, it also means you get to dust off of your fall favorites, as well as stock up on some of the newest trends. Cooler days means more fun layers with tops, cardigans and sweaters. All cute, but none match your favorite summer sandals. While no two signs are the same, the Zodiac has agreed that boots are great for all. With so many new styles and trends available for this tried and true footwear, each sign can find a beautifully constructed and completely fashionable boot for their specific styles and schedules. Taurus, is that an ankle boot in your fashion future? Aries and Leos both are dying to rock a pair of boots that are OTK (Over The Knee, for those who need a little brush up on their boot wear vocabulary). With boots looking hot at a variety of lengths and colors, as well as interesting details like cut-outs or crazy hardware, you’ll have to check out the slideshow to see exactly what the planets have picked for you!

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Say It Loud: Got ‘Em At Aldo & I’m Proud!

imageThe days of dreaming about how to get those $600 designer shoes are over. Most of us grew up with brands like Steve Madden and Aldo in our local mall or shopping center. Tried and true, we visited these stores for last-minute parties or a pair of work pumps… but not anymore. These brands have caught all the way up, and now feature designs that are fierce, funky and fabulous. With the economy in such a rough state, money is spread thinly for most. But for us ladies, having an amazing shoe must always be in the budget. With most prices at $100 or less, and styles that rival designer brands, you can two-step in your new shoes all the way to the bank! We love these strappy croc booties, especially at the bargain price of $90! See more fashion, beauty, and style news at Essence.

Christina Milian Adds A Splash Of Color To Her Alexa Chung Ensemble

imageWe’re big fans of wearing black. We’re also big fans of wearing white. But do you ever feel a little boring fashion-wise when you’re so monochromatic? Even when you mix the two, you’re not showing much personality. Christina Milian has the perfect solution to that. When we saw the songstress as she was on her way to “It’s On With Alexa Chung,” we loved her look! Christina was wearing a black leather jacket with a white tee and black pants. Sounds pretty typical and not very exciting, right? Well, what we really loved about the outfit was that she topped it all off with some bright red, shiny pumps. She took an otherwise simple and kind of boring outfit and totally made it pop with excitement. This makes us really want to start buying lots of pretty colored shoes. That way we can keep wearing our black and white outfits, but still feel totally trendy and fun. Head over to LimeLife for more style inspiration from the stars!

Brogues And Oxfords Get Flirty And Feminine!

imageTaking items that are typically associated with menswear and making them feminine is no novel idea when it comes to modern day fashion. We’ve seen it in every context from sexy tailored suits on the red carpet to boyfriend blazers on your average night out on the town. However, the latest trend in menswear-gone-girlie is here to serve as a welcome addition to your shoe collection, just in time for fall. Brogues and oxfords, though traditionally men’s dress shoes, have certainly been worn by the ladies before… just not nearly as fashionably or with the same feminine edge as the latest styles provide! Studs, cut-outs, and bright colors vamp up the normally conservative-looking shoe, making them far more chic than what you’d stereotypically find worn by a butler. True, the whole idea of open toes and modern embellishments sort of negates the very definition of a brogue, but hey — with modifications this cute, we won’t toss them based on a silly technicality! Check the slideshow for some of my favorite oxford-inspired pairs!

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What the dunk’s

what-the-dunk

Look what i got today!

Maria Sharapova To Launch Cole Haan Collection This Thursday At Rockefeller Center

imageTennis sensation Maria Sharapova will be lacing up her shoes to compete in the US Open just days from now, but not before slipping into a slightly more chic pair as she celebrates the launch of her Maria Sharapova by Cole Haan collection, this Thursday at Rockefeller Center. The 22 year old former Wimbledon champion will debut the collection alongside DJ Nick Cohen and children of the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center Jr. Tennis Development Program, the New York Junior Tennis League, and the City Parks Foundation. The athletic-inspired collection features Nike Air technology, so whether you’re a tennis fan or just appreciate a stylish pair of sneaks, you’ll want to check this out. Shop the Channel Gardens Cole Haan Rockefeller Center store (620 Fifth Avenue) from 6-8 PM on the 27th and you’ll receive 20% off your purchase!

Cole Haan Rockefeller Center Store
620 Fifth Ave.
212-765-9747
Channel Gardens Event commences 5 PM
Unveiling with Maria Sharapova at Channel Gardens 6 PM – 6:30 PM
In-store event 6 PM – 8 PM

10 Shoes That Won’t Kill Your Feet As You Trek Around Campus

imageWhere I went to school, you could always tell who the freshmen were because they foolishly showed up to the first day of class in heels. They may have looked cute (especially before they packed on the dreaded Freshman 15, ha!) but we upperclassmen knew that by the end of the day they’d be heading to the nearest Walgreens for a family-size pack of band-aids to patch up their abused feet. On a giant campus full of hills and stairs, I learned the hard way that flats were the way to go — and comfy ones at that. But just because I’ve had to leave my heels behind for the sake of blister-free soles doesn’t mean I dared to give up my sense of shoe-style. You can still stay fashionable in leather peep-toe booties and snazzy sneakers without requiring a first-aid kit by the time you get to class. Check out my favorite selection of back-to-school shoes in the slideshow!

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Double-Take Designs Have The Swagger Without The Insane Price Tag

imageLook fabulous in fast fashion with these mirror-image accessories inspired by a few of the most sought-after trends of this season. Heavy, layered, multi-strand statement necklaces that bring all focus to the neckline are very “in” at the moment and dominated the runway at shows like Lanvin and Burberry Prorsum. Forever 21 captured the essence of the floral fringe necklace with a very inspired look-alike. Not to be outdone by the statement necklace, designers made sure the foundation of every woman’s wardrobe, the shoes, also got special attention. At Balenciaga’s Resort 2009 collection the shoes were high, super strappy and sexy. Be sure to hit up a Bebe store for a nearly identical pair at a fraction of the price. YSL also gave us something to go-gaga over — caged booties. Check out Bakers’ interpretation and get the runway look for a not-so-runway price! When you’re done discount shopping, be sure to check out the Essence blog for more style steals!

Treat Your Feet! 15 Fancy Flip-Flops Under $15

imageFlip-flops, thongs, rubber slippers … whatever you call them, you can’t deny that they’re awesome. I’m usually a dresses and heels type of girl. No sneakers for me! But I can’t always run around town and complete errands in a timely and comfortable manner if I’m teetering around in heels. I love flip-flops. They’re comfortable and you can barely tell you have anything on your feet! I’ve even gone hiking in flip-flops and felt as at ease as if I had a pair of Nike sneakers on! Another great thing? They’re so cheap, with retailers like Old Navy and Wal-Mart offering multiple pairs in every color imaginable for less than it would cost to hop the subway. I personally own quite a few pairs of these rubber slippers in a multitude of colors and I love matching them to a casual jeans and a t-shirt type outfits I usually wear for a relaxed weekend. However, as great and easy as these simple pieces of footwear are, I still run into a dilemma. Sure, flip-flops are comfortable and totally appropriate for just hanging out with family and friends, but what if you have something to go to that requires actual footwear? Most of the time, my feet are too sore from the night before to imagine stuffing them into another pair of stilettos, but I can’t roll into a nice luncheon with a pretty sundress and some ratty flip-flops! Luckily, it’s summer and designers are offering a great selection of fancy flip-flops featuring jewels, metallics, leather, and other fun and pretty details at more-than-affordable prices. Check out the slideshow for flip-flops that will enhance the outfit without hurting the feet!

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