Month: June 2008

Evolutionary Theory

Posted on by Shoe Daydreams

Sometimes with a designer it is hard to see their evolution and the consistent thread that ties them together from collection to collection. It can be interesting to try and find those connections when each design and collection is so disparate.

But I think it can also be fun to see the obvious themes that morph each year and then how they actually come to life.

In the Fall/Winter 2007 Miu Miu collections (and in the Prada ones as well), we saw a first step of their fanciful creations. I was a big fan of almost everything from this year, especially the ruffled brogues and heels.

For the Fall/Winter 2008 collection, the ruffles went to the next, more futuristic realm.

These are, of course, les wearable than the previous year’s shoes, but still, awfully cool.

Now that the beginning Fall and Pre-Fall pieces are coming in, you can see the “safer” version of these ruffles on these gorgeous Prada sandals. They remind me of how my black satin Prada flower heels are the safer version of their Spring 2008 runway cousins.

I would wear these in a second!

Not that I need another pair of black heels but they are just so gorgeous. And would remain wearable forever. It’s very hard to resist.

Prada Suede Ruffle Sandals – at Neiman Marcus.

Back to Bespoke

Posted on by Shoe Daydreams

Hetty Rose Vintage Kimono Fabric Collage

Vintage Kimono Fabric from Hetty Rose

Almost a year ago I told you about my experience having a pair of bespoke Amalie heels made for me by the incomparable Henrietta of Hetty Rose.

At that time Hetty had done her first Kimono collection featuring twelve styles that could be custom made to your specifications from a selection of vintage kimono fabrics. Now Hetty is back with a second collection which has all new designs and includes adorable clutches as well. She’s also received a ton of press coverage as well. Be warned, this post is very image heavy!

What I love about the whole process is getting to interact with the creator on a personal level. When I got back in touch with Henrietta she was on a buying trip in Japan, searching out new fabrics. She was also in country for the cherry blossom festival and sent me some surreally beautiful shots from there.

One of the first shoes in the new collection which caught my eye was the adorable Ella mary jane. It’s just super cute and has a great chunky heel with front stitching down the toe. If you go to the press page you can see if has already been featured in several magazines.

Well I had to have it. As was done the previous time, Henrietta sent me a variety of fabrics to choose from and I decided on this very intricate and metallic phoenix pattern.

I like the way each shoe is individual. And, of course, the riot of colors!

They are just so cute on that I can’t get over them!

As I was reading through all of the new press coverage Hetty Rose had received I came upon these articles: one, two, three. It seems Henrietta paired with theatrical wig designer Yuki Saito to create a special display for Valentine’s Day and created these amazing “Love” shoes for the pairing.

Well, I fell for them. Hard. I especially love the platform element. And although they were not a part of her regular line, she agreed to make them for me.

I was lucky enough that Henrietta still had some of the same fabric that she used to create the original pair. I did make one change to the design. Knowing that I’m not going to get many opportunities to wear these with the ties wrapped up above my knee, I asked for them to be just long enough to tie around my ankle.

Oh, yes, they are super tall, but given the platform and that they are made to measure, they are very easy to wear.

I like the heart-shaped peep-toes too!

What’s also cool is that the straps are not attached to the shoes. So I can wear these with and with out the leather ties. The beaded hearts just clip on, so I can adjust where they go, either on the shoes or on the ties.

A-dor-a-ble!

I know I’ve said this before, but she does amazing work. If you have the opportunity, drop Henrietta an email and work with her on a pair of shoes. She is a true artist. Not only will you be supporting her art, but you will be avoiding the the huge manufacturing machine and preserving a small piece of history.

Celebrate the Odd

Posted on by Shoe Daydreams

Happy Friday the 13th!

Rather than feeling unlucky today or watching out for ladders and black cats, lets see what you’re wearing to celebrate the strange and unusual.

I’m wearing my chicken foot necklace from Paraphernalia.

I’m wearing a swampy mossy green gap top and my wickedly pointed Manolo Campari mary janes.

Create an image on Polyvore in the Friday the 13th group or send me your best outfit and I’ll post them up later!

Living with Disappointment

Posted on by Shoe Daydreams

So I was going to write this whole post about how much I really really love these feather heels from Alexander McQueen….

and how they aren’t making them and I’ll never get these delightful shoes that I’m pining away for….

and how lovely these Alexandra Neel heels are…

and how they would be a great substitute since I’ll probably never see the McQueens …

But then I realized – I already had!

The update is, though, the Alexandra Neels went on a big ole sale and I got them! Yeah, me!

Borrow some money, Get something blue

Posted on by Shoe Daydreams

I haven’t seen the movie yet and so I can’t speak to all the specific details, but even I know what’s the deal with this shoe from the SATC movie.

Here’s a much prettier way to get a piece of the movie (better than the Eiffel Tower bag if you ask me) if that’s your motivation. I’m guessing that this will become an iconic shoe just like the Sedarabys and the Campari Mary Janes.

They are gorgeous, and in one of my favorite colors.

I wouldn’t have turned these down as a wedding gift! Although, the hubby’s done his share of finding gorgeous blue shoes. So no complaining allowed from me.

The (soon to be iconic, if they aren’t already) Manolo Blahnik Something Blue Satin Pumps are on pre-order now at Neiman Marcus & Bergdorfs.

Let the races begin!

UPDATE: New Pricing!

Lower East Slide

Posted on by Shoe Daydreams

I know with all the SATC product placement giddiness everyone is gushing about the Patricia Fields kick-off party that happened in NYC. But looking at that stuff on-line, it really does nothing for me. Maybe it’s supposed to be part of the aesthetic but it all looks crummy to me.

I haven’t looked around the site much lately but these are one of the few things that caught my eye. I don’t need more little pink sandals, but if you’re in the market, they seem pretty cute and, hey, they’re only 10 bucks.

They also come in green, and slightly less cute, black.

UPDATE: I’ve gotten some feedback that the Patricia Field’s pumps are much cuter in person. If I see them myself or get some pics, I’ll be sure to share. Thanks all!

Ottoman Empire Design

Posted on by Shoe Daydreams

I’m not sure what I was looking for when I stumbled upon these amazing boots, but I think I was looking up information on fashion influenced by the Ottoman Empire.

Typically suzanis are used in large fabrics or rugs but I am quite entranced with these suzani boots.

The mid-calf ones are just gorgeous but I think I might prefer the drama of the knee-high versions. What’s cool is that each pair of boots is patterned uniquely just like the rugs.

One of the main trips I’m hoping to do very soon is a trip to Turkey, especially Istanbul (not Constantinople). The cities are so filled with history and culture that I’m afraid I would want to bring back everything I see.

These boots are inexpensive for the amount of work that goes into them – $245 and $275 respectively. I’m keeping these on my list for future purchase.

Parties, Patterns and Pyramids

Posted on by Shoe Daydreams

Tonight we went to a housewarming party for dear friends of ours, one of whom is an amazing artist (check out her stuff!)

We brought one of our traditional gifts – Bread, Salt and Wine – which is taken from this scene in It’s A Wonderful Life.

It’s always great to get together with our friends especially when we meet new people that they bring to the mix. There is always great food, a few drinks and tons of dogs running around.

And then sometimes it turns into a human pyramid… not sure how that happened but I was in the middle.

This photo is by redwazzo to protect the somewhat innocent, including me.

I wore a grey fitted tee from Gap, a camel and grey floral patterned skirt, my Tiby Daisy flats and a new carved hairclip I got at the wedding I went to last weekend.

Now I’m home and tired and full up from all the yummy treats! Thanks to the host and hostess with the most-ess!

Ready to Tango

Posted on by Shoe Daydreams

Even though Style-Spy beat me to the punch with her post on these, I just had to give a huge shout-out to Mnsr. Louboutin for these amazing red satin Passementerie peep-toe pumps.

I mean, Hot Damn! These are expensive, yes, but they are the true meaning of an investment heel. You could wear these forever and you will be assured that no matter what event you go to, you will have the best pair of shoes in the room (unless I’m there, of course).

These could be worn with a ball gown, a cocktail dress or jeans and a blazer. Or if you ever need to jet off for a night of dancing you will be ready to go.

If anyone wants to a.) buy these for me, just let me know. Size 35.5, or b.) get me these and then take me out for dinner and dancing, just send me an email!

: )

Dangerous Curves Ahead

Posted on by Shoe Daydreams

Of course, the combination of red and black can be very sexy, especially when it’s a pair of red-soled Louboutins but I think these Brian Atwood suede pumps are equally enticing.

They’re a beautiful shape with a great slope on the side.

And such an amazing heel shape. Pair this with a tight pencil skirt and you’re dangerous. I would definitely put these on my wish list.