StyleMaven Blog - Shopping Inspiration

Metallic Summer Sandals

Metallics, especially gold, are a miracle for making your skin a-glow in the early days of summer. I love metallic gold sandals because they make summer brights pop and bring a festive appeal to my summer lawn party dresses. I have more than 5 pair of the Indian traditional sandals in gold and silver metallic and I'm on the hunt for a newer updated sandal for this summer. My favorite is the Farylrobin Wee Punched & Studded Thong Sandal  - it's a thong with a sweet little ankle strap. How can you resist the pink liner...imagine matching your toe polish to this shade. Divine!

Other standouts in the flat metallic sandal category are the Cocobelle Metallic Studded City II Sandal which is a gentler less dramatic version of the gladiator with button studs and an ankle tie. The
Belle by Sigerson Morrison Metallic Flat Thong Sandal has an elasticized ankle strap thhat simulates an ankle chain bracelet.

Marc Does the Super Bootee

These boots seem almost like a magical fairy tale. Imagine if Tinkerbell were to sprinkle fairy dust onto Peter Pan's boots, the result -  these silver, sweet and summery Marc Jacobs cracked leather bootees. They are comfortable yet jam-packed with style. Wear with a Camilla and Marc Shannon shift dress.

See more ankle boots on StyleMaven's Ankle Boot StyleGuide

 

Road To Morocco - The Boho trend is back

Moroccan themed summer wear and accessories are back again. This time tunics are shorter more fitted and shaded in ombre.

The 33" long Seaton Peyton Batik Dress is shaded in a tie dye wash and embellished with gold metallic trim. The handmade simplicity and natural leather heighten the appeal of the Joie Flat Huarache Sandal ...tell everyone you bought them at the Medina of Fez. Finally top your look with a pair of dangly Lee Angel Papillion hoops or an embellished leather bag/rucksack such as the Kooba Waverly bag. But be warned use these accessories sparingly if you wear more than two at a time you could end up looking like a walking market bazaar yourself!

Kirna Zabete designs Limited Edition FitFlop Boot

New York based Kirna Zabete, the "fabulous fashion emporium" which also btw has an outpost in Tokyo (Now that REALLY is fabulous!) has collaborated with FitFlop the maker of fitness sandals. Due out in June 2008 the limited edition sandal is comprised of black kid leather or snake skin. The 'Aurelia' is a corseted gladiator inspired hybrid Fitflop boot. The Aurelia will be available in June at Kirna Zabete's NYC store and in July online at Net-a-Porter.com

Below the Aurelia are the original FitFlop Patent Sandals which claim to be comfortable and designed to get those hamstrings and blobby body parts in order before your trip to Kauai.

FitFlop Patent Sandals at Macys.com., $49.99

Pixie Market - The Epicenter of Cool

Pixie Market has brick and mortar shops in locations renowned for cutting edge fashion. Located in NY's Lower East Side and LA's West Third Street, the Pixie Market now has an online shop featuring sublime, colorful and trail-blazing cool clothing and accessories.

Maloles for Marvelous Romantic Shoes

Designer Maloles Miracosta-Antignac's collection of sweet footwear features the 42 Zoe pump. I love this style's gathered bow embellished toe, vintage inspired silhouette and too-cute scalloped foot liner. Catch up on the designer's inspirational Parisian apartment decor in this month's Domino magazine.

Maloles - 42 Zoe (Grey Patent) - Footwear

Frye Isn't Just for Boots Anymore

Platform sandals are with us again this summer. One of my favorite mid-price brands is Frye . The boot maker with a history of quality long wearing boots has been adding fresh new styles to their repertoire for the past few seasons. I love the chunky (but not too thick) heel. The woven leather detail of this Rose Woven Sandal remains true to the Frye tradition of quality craftsmanship.

All things YELLOW

We are mad about YELLOW for sunny days ahead...add a dash of vibrant color to your beach-bound accessories.

Diane von Furstenberg Dot string bikini

Olympus Corporation Stylus 850 SW Yellow 8.0 MP 3X Zoom Digital Camera

Tod's Nuovo Matisse Flat Sandal, Yellow

Pa-Tou-Tou Canasta Tote

Marc by Marc Jacobs Logo Cuff

The Perfect (Flat) Summer Sandal

I adore these Bruno Frisoni Patent Sandals. They are an elegant sandal devoid of any frills, but modern and sophisticated none the less. Lovely with a swingy sundress, Bermuda shorts or capris. A smart choice for chic minimalists.

3.1 Phillip Lim for Tatami Sandals

Comfort and style in a summer sandal...is it possible to have both? 3.1 Phillip Lim has collaborated with Tatami to create a special-edition sandal collection. Tatami is a German shoe company founded by one of the Birkenstock brothers. So basically this shoe is the Birkenstock that you heard rumors about last fall. These sandals may be a turn-off for some, but I find the gladiator-inspired styles very chic in an arty understated kind of way. That's why you'll find these sandals on sites like Barneys, and LaGarconne - two of my favorite sites. The 3.1 Phillip Lim Tatami sandals are also available at eLuxury - which has the most styles available (seven).

Of the entire collection, my favorite is the 3.1 Phillip Lim Eros 2 Sandal with Ankle Strap.

See more ot the 3.1 Phillip Lim collection at eLUXURY.

Frye Platform Wedge "Ingrid" Sandal

My current love affair with the all-American boot brand, Frye will transition nicely into Spring. I have been 'living' large in my Frye Campus boots and Hunter Wellies all Winter. During rainy afternoons, I  count the days until I can wear sandals and espadrilles again. What a trick of fate it was when  I found  these  too-cute Chloé-esque platforms from Frye. I grabbed a pair at the "Grocery Store" boutique in San Francisco. At only $149.00USD, it was a buy too good to pass up...looking forward to pairing these cool wedges with the Chloé Grecian dress I've been eyeing.

Frye Ingrid Platform Wedge