the it lists – fashion & trend blog

I just bought my first shoes for spring - I’m off to Hawaii next week (six more sleeps!) so thought why not grab a new pair of gladiators.

My must-have sandal was this Giombetti from Aldo – mostly because of the trendy hues in soft metalics and spring hues that will go with so much. So if I have to travel light at least I’m pretty much handled for a few outfit changes!

Oh, and I’m just a sucker for any shoe that has a zipper up the back.  Sigh.

WARNING: What you’re about to read will feed your shoe addiction! Try not to mention this to your Shoe-a-holic Anonymous leader.

Bergdorf Goodman has released the Shoe Salon App for iPhone or iPhone touch!! So, every morning, you’ll get Bergdorf’s choice on a “shoe of a day.”  Plus, you’ll have a 24-hour access to exclusive and must-have shoe styles. The iPhone application works as a shopping tool since you can buy any shoe, instantly.  Might be dangerous option for your bank account.  Tho, good news…Bergdorf will offer free expedited delivery and complimentary return.

Check out BergdorfGoodman.com to download the Shoe Salon App. You’ll be in shoe-heaven!

Photo Courtesy of Lark

As grey clouds and drizzle turns into full rainfall, I know it’s easy to slip into a pair of rubber boots and hide under a big parka. But as we’re now weeks away from the world visiting Vancouver for the Olympics, I’m committed to helping us all make a stylish change.

The Military Boot by Zeha-Berlin, is the perfect boot for the winter season, and the perfect shoe to help transition your wardrobe into the Spring. Designed in Germany and handcrafted in Italy, these Zeha-Berlin Boots are made for walking, and (with proper care), walks for your entire lifetime.

With this brand’s history spanning over 120 years, they continue to commit to high quality and high fashion. Eco-friendly, vegetable tanned leathers; high grade calfskin lining and leather soles and heels make this boot the most comfortable shoe I own. I’ve done miles in them with no complaints – and continue to collect compliments along the way.

P.S. If you’re headed to Vancouver 2010 Olympics they’re local at Lark, Umeboshi and Gravity Pope.

Yesterday we shared about Shoe Jewels – now we found another cool way to shake up your shoe wardrobe…

Between juggling career, drinks with friends (or with that cute guy), hitting up the gym, and attending networking events , there’s sometimes zero time left to change, refresh, and re-style. Hate to say it, but never enough hours in a day. How to deal?

Footwear adornments by Dekkori, will help you kick your style up a notch, in less than 30 seconds. Founder Stephanie Kim designs shoe accessories to temporary transform any pair of shoes into a completely new style. One leg cover, Charisma, comes in lambskin and will give you that sexy knee-high look. Other dekkori pieces that’ll revolutionize your perception of footwear include midrise boots to the gladiator-esque look.

From thigh-high boots, to chunky neck jewelery, accessories are the “it” trend this season. What about accessories for your accessories?

Shoe Jewelery has been popping up tons on runways to fashion blogs everywhere. With good reason:

1. They are cool.
2. Fun & inexpensive way to spruce up your wardrobe.
3. Breathe new life to pumps, that may have found their way to the back of your closet.

Simple or rock star crazy! But keep in mind, like any accessory, it should compliment your outfit.

For subtle and simple: add a thin chain, long enough for the chain to loosely drape around your ankle, (Lanvin’s SS2010 collection featured beautiful, gold chains); or feminine and edgy, add a bright coloured feather shoe clip.
For that bad ass rock star look: layers of chains of different sizes, on a pair of ankle boots will do the trick. LitterSF has amazing designs (The “Jay Walks has mini bullets on them!).

Now, the land of the forgotten pumps is no longer. And all the shoes rejoiced.

The Over-the knee Boot is an addition to your wardrobe that you NEED to invest in this Fall. Seriously.

Oh how I covet thee!  An instant way to amp up almost any outfit with a cheeky sexiness that will draw stares and I don’t mean in a ‘Pretty Woman’ type of way…there is a significant difference between an ‘over-the-knee’ boot and a ‘thigh-high’ boot.  This boot should graze the top of your-knee cap, no higher.

When you go  on your hunt don’t be overwhelmed by the variety, as this boot’s done in suede, leather, with & without embellishments (studding, zippers, etc.) and in a tons of colors and heel heights.  Take your wardrobe and lifestyle into consideration when making your choice to get the most value.  Do you wear a lot of leathers and biker inspired pieces that would complement a high-heeled zippered version? or do you wear more wools and cashmere’s that would go perfectly with a flat suede boot?

I highly recommend looking to the Stuart Weitzman collection for this trend as it is bang-on with every different version made of this boot from high-heeled with buckles, kitten-heeled with zippers and his best seller two-years in a row the ‘50/50′ which is a flat suede version.

Ruff & Refined! that’s what I like about a lot of the short boot styles this season. I think the collection that best encapsulates both of those is the Nine West Vintage America Collection.

My two favs in the collection are the Jurra which is a suede wedge bootie – its a must in the brown (so rich). And the Made which is a distressed ankle boot – very in, instantly rustic.

The whole collection features “vintage and worn-in feel” treatments consisting of lots of suede, hardware details, straps, studs, lace-ups, soft materials, plaid, faux fur and shearling.

Flats!  Funky flats for fall.  Touted to be the shoe of the season: the Oxford. We are not just talking any flats, we are referring to oxfords, brogues, loafers, and jazzy lace-ups!

Forget ballet flats – hello this fall to the good old oxford. The classic version is a solid colored lace-up (think men’s shoes), with a perforated wingtip pattern on the toe. But! we’re feeling the two-tone spectator version with boyfriend jeans.

We love these Steve Madden black and white Merlins you gotta check them out in the black & fushia combo…or even pretty grand in the subtle brown.

I thought boots were meant to be worn in the fall/winter,  apparently I was wrong.  These days ankle boots are making quite the appearance in this summer.

Peep-toe’s, cut-outs, fringe, suede, zippers, buckles, you name it are all different variations that these summer ankle length booties are accompanied with.  What you would pair a boot with in the summer? the cool thing with this trend is there really is no rule. Skinny jeans, skirts, dresses, capris and even shorts and look equally as flattering with each.

I give props to this ‘Emily Sligback’ from Frye -  incorporate into any outfit with it’s warm color and buckle accent.  If you’ve ever owned a pair of Frye’s you’ll know the quality of their leather is to die for – soft and supple enough that you could wear every day if you wanted too.

Clogs? In a time when structure or gorgeous are all over our shoes it’s amazing to see chunky clogs trying be at trend. MaxMara’s Spring 2009 Collection paired them with suits, and I didn’t buy in.

But gold clogs. Hmm, these I would consider…these are kinda cool and bring back highschool memories. But the metallic funk adds a whole new spark to this Swedish shoe. Cape Clogs makes clogs to consider.

When it comes to designer collaborations other retailers may try as they might but H&M will always reign King (or Queen) of the collaboration.

With names like: Roberto Cavalli, Stella McCartney, Karl Lagerfeld, Viktor & Rolf and most recently Matthew Williamson under their belt – H&M obviously does a big collaboration or doesn’t do one at all.

For their first collabo with an accessories brand they decide to team with British powerhouse - Jimmy Choo.  Keeping with the staple Jimmy Choo glamorous & sexy style, these shoes, accessories and handbags will be no different.  The surprise twist – it will also include a men’s collection of shoes, bags, & accessories!

The collection will launch Novemeber 14 in 200 H&M stores accross the world.  If you’ve learned nothing from past collaborations, know this: people will sleep on the street to get these.  Go early or don’t go at all – as I predict this collection could easily be sold out by November 15.

Not to be outdone by the big boys in the emerging trend of high-end designer doing a mid to low-end line (who didn’t gasp when they found out Alexander McQueen was doing a line for Target), Payless has also added some heavy hitters to their roster.

The limited edition summer 2009  Payless collections will feature designs by  alice + olivia, not to mention some other great appearances from Abaete, and Lela Rose.

Now I personally have never bought too hard into the Payless designer lines with the exception of a few pieces, but the alice + olivia collection is quite simply put – on point.

In true alice + olivia fashion the wedge ran rampant throughout the collection along with platform sandals, chuck taylor inspired sneakers and they even did some really trendy hobo bags and clutches.

All items ran under $40 and the best part is… you would never even know it.

This weekend I broke some princess boundaries – hiking Cypress Falls. Yup, hangovers and all my crew pulled it together because it’s that time of year!

Time to take your heath kick to the next level. Make the most of your daily walks in a pair of shoes that do more than look and feel good. Reebok’s EasyTone Sneakers make getting in shape a convenient part of your everyday life.

Maximize every step you take in these and after a few weeks you’ll notice more definition in your legs and a few more whistles as you strut your stuff. Take the gym with you and walk on! Available at reebok.com for $109.99 USD

For tips on getting toned on the go and to find out how these work, click below:

The fav thing I’m loving about caged, strappy sandals is the little detail at the back.

Back-zips are on everything from knock-off YSL caged shoes to high-end Giuseppe Zanotti gladiators (right) or check out this couture Roberto Cavelli boots (bottom left).

When I’m in Miami this week, I will finally have some tan and can’t wait to break in this strappy pair of Enzo Angiloni Felissa sandals. Now I bought them in a golden brown at Nine West, and the gold back zipper just makes them. Online I could only find pewter and black (good luck).