Fantasy Fashion Becomes Reality

Menswear influences are taking center stage again this year in shoe trends.  You love the oxford look but would prefer it with some height.  See if these work for you, Bottega Veneta's Platform Oxford Pump. This lace up oxford pump gives menswear a feminine edge with a pointed toe and paneled details on the sides. This shoe will also give you a run for your money at $890.

Bottega Veneta

If that is, of course, way more than you want to spend consider the "Farris" from Miz Mooz.  This lace up, platform oxford, comes complete with a delicate perforated design on the toe and hidden platform.  It's perfect to pair with anything from pants, to skirts with tights.  The best part is, it's only $143.

Miz Mooz

Fantasy Fashion Becomes Reality

Sometimes a modern spin on an old classic is just the thing to liven up your wardrobe, which is why I'm loving Rochas take on a peep-toe clog. The suede platform with criss-cross bands and gold tone buckle at the vamp is chic and contemporary. It's the perfect fit and is only $945, ok maybe it's not so perfect.

Rochas, $945

On the other hand Gentle Souls spin on a classic is also pretty cutting edge. With similar styling this chunky heeled wonder will keep your look fresh and fashion forward. At just $209 these may be a perfect fit after all.

Gentle Souls, $209

Fantasy Fashion Becomes Reality

Are you looking for something fun and funky to add to your summer wardrobe? A statement sandal perhaps?  Opening Ceremony has a pair of platforms that are sure to turn some heads.  This suede, peep-toe sandal with cut-out details, adjustable slingback, and two toned platform prove to be more than just fun and funky and unfortunately they may prove to be too much for your budget.  A pair of these will run you $615.

Opening Ceremony, $615

Not to worry, I have a pair to fill the fun and funky void in your closet without leaving a void in your wallet.  The "Twiggy" by Madeline is a similar sandal with peep-toe, adjustable slingback, and colorful platform guaranteed to get you noticed. At just $69 you will surely strut your stuff down the street!

Madeline, $69

Fantasy Fashion Becomes Reality

Color blocking is still a major component this season and if you haven't tested the waters yet a great place to dip you toe into said waters is with shoes! Fendi has the perfect example of a great color block pump that you can easily work into your wardrobe and wear with confidence. The price might cause a few waves, at $695 those are expensive waters to explore.

Fendi, $695

Perhaps your boat is better suited for a calmer sea with a little more color and a little less money. If that's the case let me suggest to you a Pour la Victoire leather platform color blocked pump.  The "Neysa" has a vibrant suede and rich leather that will cause you to drop anchor.  At $228 this pair will put you on course for color blocking success.

PLV, $228

Fantasy Fashion Becomes Reality

Wanted: Chunky heeled leather platform sandal, with adjustable ankle strap and decorative stitching.  On my search for the perfect platform do you know what I found? This gorgeous sandal from Chloe.  My two favorite parts about this sandal...the studs on the toe and stitching up the heel, my least favorite part...the price, guess I should add in my ad that only shoes below $200 need apply.

Chloe, $695

Luckily enough I found another pair that meets my needs.  The Payton from Kork-Ease fits the bill with a thick chunky heel and wooden platform.  I lose the studs, but gain more decorative stitching and woven details for a bonus! Double bonus, only $174, a match made in Heaven!

Kork-Ease, $174

Fantasy Fashion Becomes Reality

Have you been looking for that perfect summer stunner sandal? Look no further because Jimmy Choo has the perfect sandal for you! Platform, check, strappy, check, ridiculously beautiful, check, totally affordable...well ok so maybe it's not so perfect but you have to admit that this $750 may be worth money.

Jimmy Choo, $750

Of course you can laugh and admit that $750 is absurd for a pair of shoes and I may just have to agree with you.  Which is why I bring you the Tifara from Pour La Victoire.  Instead of a buckle it has a zipper and one less criss cross than the Jimmy Choo, but it is by farm just as stunning for a summer sandal.  At only $199 you could by 3 pairs before paying as much as the Jimmy Choos. Platform, check, strappy, check, ridiculously beautiful, check, totally affordable...check!

Pour la Victoire, $199

High on High-Waists

Want to grow 6 inches overnight?  It's easy to do with the right cuts of clothing! Welcome to the age of high-waisted everything, pants, skirts, even shorts, and when paired with the right proportions you can look longer and leaner!

Proportion is key in the high-waisted world.  This is a waistline that's meant to be seen, so tuck those shirts in or chose a cropped look that hits just at the waistline.  Volume is important to keep in mind too, if you choose a wide-leg pant, your top should be slim.  A high-wasted pencil skirt should accompany a billowy blouse.  And when it comes to shoes, the taller the heel the better!

Fantasy Fashion Becomes Reality

Oh those red soles have caught my eye again, and this time it's not the basic Louboutin stiletto that I'm coveting.  This time, a thicker stacked heel and exposed platform have me over the moon.  It's a basic but with beauty and brawn. Alas, $795 is too hefty for my budget.

Christian Louboutin "Bibi", $795

However, Pour la Victoire has a similar thick-heeled pump that should lighten the load on my wallet.  With the Irina II, PLV has taken it's popular pump to new heights.  With a 4.5" heel and 1.25" platform, this classic pump has gotten an upgrade with it's thicker more comfortable contour.  At just $242, my budget can easily bear this bill without it being a burden.

Pour la Victoire "Irina II", $242

Fantasy Fashion Becomes Reality

Hybrids are all the rage these days, from cars to plants to even shoes!  Take for example Pedro Garcia's suede peep-toe wedge, a combination espadrille and clog with wearability from summer to winter.  Tonal pickstitching splits the upper, the sling back fastens with a hook and loop closure and the cork footbed separated the covered linen wedge for a lighter look.  But as well all know, hybrids tend to be a bit more expensive, the particular pair will run you $440.

Pedro Garcia, $440

If you don't think you can get the miles worthy of $440 out of Pedro Garcia's wedge, the "Lively" by Nicole may do the job for you.  The platform wedge offers a liberal lift and a chic, comfortable look.  The peep-toe and buckle sling back make it great for summer, and the leather makes it an easy transition piece to fall.  At only $142, you're sure to get the most bang for your buck!

Nicole "Lively", $142

Fashion Rx: Your weekly dose of what to wear!

The menswear trend has left me feeling a little less than enthusiastic.  Reading that "the more undone, the more you've done it right" scares me.  I mean if you want to talk "undone" how about rolling out of bed and throwing on your boyfriend's button down? Undone to me just seems sloppy.  So how can you meld this season's untucked trend with something that still looks pulled together?

The Cure: Suggestive Structure

Go for the roomy, slouchy, look, but do it with pieces that layer together well.  A great wide leg trouser is a good place to start.  Stay away from bulky tops and choose a simple silk tank.  Tuck it in, don't tuck it in, the feminine flow will work either way.  Top it off with a sleeveless blazer, some-what oversized but still structured.  Accessorize with a mens watch and a neutral shoe.  Don't be afraid to go with a heel or something slightly more girly, a strappy wedge or platform pump can add balance.

Hello Heels

Spring Shoe Guide
Look #5: High Heel & Platform Pumps
With warmer temps quickly approaching we women want to shed to those winter layers and show off our fantastic figures!  There is not better way to accentuate a great pair of legs than with a great pair of heels.  Check out some of our spring selection!

Butter "Swagger", $264

Klub Nico "Ariel", $204

Sam Edelman "Novato", $99

Sam Edelman "Novato", $99

Poetic Licence "Feel the Rhythm", $132

Poetic Licence "Feel the Rhythm", $132

Poetic Licence "Picnic Ready", $99

Fashion Rx: Your weekly dose of what to wear!

As new things are starting to make their appearances in stores you are feeling a bit excited. You want to take one of spring's trends out for a spin but are apprehensive about going taking the corner at too fast a pace.  Patterns are becoming bolder, colors brighter, hems longer, and waistlines higher, in which direction do you go?

The Cure: Rising Waistlines

When the fit is right and there aren't any cargo front pockets and cheetah print belts to draw attention to potential problem areas (a la Jessica Simpson mom jeans) a high waisted trouser jean is incredibly flattering, classic, and chic. Go for a tailored look with a crisp white button down shirt, tucked in and belted, a chunky statement necklace, and black suede wedges or try a more girly look with a printed dolman top, gold hoop earrings, and a great platform pump. With the right pair of jeans, the possibilities are endless.

Side Effect: I can not caution you enough about how important it is to find the right style and fit for a high waisted trouser jean, I don't think the world of fashion can handle another Jessica Simpson like faux pas.

Fantasy Fashion Becomes Reality

Yves Saint Laurent, why must you torture me so with your suede tapered toe platform pump? *Sigh* This is a shoe that epitomizes the essence of sexy. This is a shoe that every woman should have in her closet, a shoe that exudes confidence, power, and grace the second you slip it on.  Alas, not everyone woman is willing to pay $795 for said shoe.

YSL, Tribtoo, $795

Is there another shoe that can exude such qualities and not cause you to break the bank? Pour la Victoire has a tapered toe platform pump in red suede that fits the bill and your budget. Be ready to turn heads the moment they slide onto your feet. Confidence, power, and grace abounds.

Pour la Victoire

Fantasy Fashion Becomes Reality

 I like my basics to have a little bit of an edge, so long as it's appropriate.  If I can get away with it I'll wear a platform pump over a standard pump any day! Does that sound crazy? Probably! I am someone that willingly sacrifices comfort for style.  I'm not the only one who thinks this way.  Christian Louboutin once said,

“I would hate for someone to look at my shoe and say, 'Oh my God! That looks so comfortable!' That's not what I want to project. But I'm not a sadist. I don't believe suffering makes you beautiful. But comfort is not part of my creative process".

When the day comes that I finally invest in a coveted pair of the famous red soles it could potentially be a shoe like the "Bianca". The leather taper toe platform pump in a delicious caramel is a shoe that can be dressed up or down and can be taken from the office to a night out. Simple, sophisticated and a solid investment!

Christian Louboutin "Bianca", $775

And yet, thanks to the creative team at ZiGiny I can save my salacious splurge for a slightly more spectacular pair.  The stunning platform pump from ZiGiny has the same basic beautiful silhouette for a beautiful bargain. At just $142 I get a sky-high brazen basic that satisfies my need for the something special.  Comfort factor? I wore these all day wine-tasting and am happy to report that my toes were still tickled pink by the end of the day. Can't beat stunning style and a pleasing price tag.

ZiGiny, $142

Fierceness!

Proudly presenting some particularly fierce party pumps!

This sexy, platform sling-back heel from Sam Edelman is a definite show-stopper! Comes in black or red suede. $97

Another fabulous platform, we just love the gold piping and heel! $139

Picture Perfect Platforms

Want to add some pep to your step? Step out in any one of these eye-pleasing platform pumps. These warm, cognac coated shoes are the perfect shade for fall.  They'll love cozying up to a pair of great skinny jeans.

$142 

Be prepared to be saluted in these military inspired, olive studded pumps! Talk about a power platform!

$169

Here is the ideal blend of sugar and spice, the neutral patent is nicely accented by the metallic snakeskin heel detail.

$139

Sweet on Suede!

It's all in the details! The pleats and the bow on this dainty suede pump are divine.

$140

Positively precious, this taupe platform is perfect for skirts and dresses.

$140

Sleek, sophisticated, and all over fashion magazines for October.  I caught this Sam Edelmen bootie in the latest InStyle!

Sam Edelmen, $121

You are sure to be swayed by this little spat! This cuffed bootie is the crowning glory to any pair of leggings!

$98

Bootie, check. Wedge, check. Stylish, check. Add to my wardrobe, must! These comfy Me Too booties are a great basic must have!

Me Too, $109

Fantasy Fashion Becomes Reality

Brian Atwood $660

Do you believe in love at first sight? I knew it was possible the split second I laid my eyes on these nude patent pumps from Brian Atwood.  This hot hue is seriously sought after and when you find "the one" you know you can't let them get away. That is until $660 gets in the way of you and your happily ever after.

Price is most often the trickiest obstacle to overcome, unless you have another great option! This pair of nude patent pumps from ZiGi ny is only $142.  With its exposed platform and sleeker heel it easily rivals the sexiness of the Atwood pump.  Don't let these out of your sight!

ZiGi ny $142

Fantasy Fashion Becomes Reality

I had these Yves Saint Laurent Iconic Platform Pumps on my feet a few weeks ago and "Holy WOW" talk about head turners! To quote Rachel Zoe, "I die". Gorgeous, glamourous, and wallet gouging.

YSL $795

While I pine away for these $795 gems I can satiate my appetite for fabulous footwear with the Irina from Pour La Victoire. With the towering heel and equally tall platform you can strut your stuff for a fraction of the cost.

Pour La Victoire $242