Style Admirer

Posts Tagged ‘Shoes’

Simply Fabulous: Christian Louboutin Clou Noeud

Monday, July 5th, 2010

Glam and badass come together in one magnificent form: Christian Louboutin’s “Clou Noeud” slingbacks ($1,195; net-a-porter.com). Seriously…what’s not to love about this shoe?

Tags: Accessories, Christian Louboutin, Clou Noeud, Shoes
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Simply Fabulous: Karen Millen Studded Heel and Clutch

Wednesday, May 19th, 2010

I’m always blown away by Karen Millen‘s designs. This pink studded and diamante heel ($195) and matching clutch ($199) will bring a simple cream, white or black dress to a whole new level.

Tags: Accessories, Bags, Karen Millen, Shoes
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Simply Fabulous: Jeffrey Campbell “Mary Rocks” Wedge

Thursday, January 28th, 2010

Jeffrey Campbell’s new “Mary Rocks” perforated suede wedge ($118; needsupply.com) is quite the sight! The neutral hue and interesting cut-outs make this lace-up heel perfect for spring.

Image courtesy of Need Supply Co.

Tags: Accessories, Heels, Jeffrey Campbell, Mary Rocks, Need Supply Co, Shoes, Wedge
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Simply Fabulous: daniblack Wedge Bootie

Wednesday, January 13th, 2010

So simple yet so delightful. These daniblack suede wedges ($131) may have a delicate persona, but they’ll add lots of impact to your outfit.

Image courtesy of daniblack

Tags: Accessories, daniblack, Shoes, Wedges
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Trending: Combat Boots

Wednesday, December 2nd, 2009

From left to right: “Studded Vintage Combat Boot” by Free People; “All Combat Boot” by Jeffrey Campbell; “Triumph 1914 Boots” by Dr. Marten’s; and “Refugee Combat Boot” by Joie

It’s coming. It always does. No matter how hard you wish it away, winter is around the corner. To help you brave the icy temps, step out in a pair of fierce combat boots. Even though they may seem a bit too tough for everyday wear, they can actually suit many a styles. These boots will keep you warm while adding a stylish edge to your winter outfits.

The knee-length Joie “Refugee Combat Boot” ($535; Cusp) is made from a distressed leather that gives a flirty sweater or floral dress a rustic spin. For a touch of bling, try the handmade “Studded Vintage Combat Boot” ($388; Free People) with a skinny jean and a chunky knit cardigan. The Jeffrey Campbell “All Combat Boot” ($285; Singer22) looks playful and polished paired with black leggings and a red and black plaid shirt dress. Try lacing this boot halfway for a more relaxed look. Finally, Dr. Marten’s “Triumph 1914 Boots” ($150; Macy’s) with plaid lining has an authentic, down-and-dirty look that adds an unexpected twist to a wool mini skirt, fitted turtleneck and textured tights.

Sometimes grunge can be chic.

By Danielle Parker

Images courtesy of Cusp, Free People, Singer22 and Macy’s

Tags: Accessories, Chicago Shopping, Combat Boots, Dr. Marten’s, Free People, Jeffrey Campbell, Joie, Macy's, Shoes, Trends
Posted in StyleBlog | 2 Comments »

Chatting With Kenneth Cole About His New 925 Technology

Monday, November 16th, 2009

Getting through a nine-to-five in high heels wrecks havoc on our poor soles. To minimize the aches, pains and unbecoming waddling, we stash flats in our bags and go barefoot discreetly under our desks. We’ve learned to accept that with fabulous footwear comes unavoidable pain, but Kenneth Cole’s 925 Technology promises style and comfort.

Thursday night the designer visited his Michigan Avenue store to launch the 925 Technology Silver Edition. The collection features a pump ($160), bootie ($195), slingback ($135), and two flats ($135), all with the new 925 cushioning system and a signature silver heel. As anxious shoppers waited to try on the shoes and get autographs, we sat down with Kenneth Cole to discuss this exciting collection (and a few other things just for kicks!).

SA: What was the initial thought behind the 925 Technology?
KC: No one needs another pretty shoe because you’ve already got them, but everyone needs the most comfortable shoe they ever looked good in. So, we started with that staple in every woman’s wardrobe, and my goal was to do more for a woman than any other man has below the ankles.

SA: Several other brands claim to have the most comfortable heels. How are you doing it better?
KC: There’s a lot of comfortable footwear alternatives, but none of them are pretty and feminine and are ones you can wear to work, at work, and maybe even after work. This product is so significant because a lot of it is mostly natural materials. It’s [made with] flaxseed, which moves with the foot, as opposed to manmade, synthetic cushioning that breaks down over time. These become more and more comfortable the more you wear it, and they’ve got layers and layers of stuff that absorb moisture and absorb shock.

SA: What was your challenge when creating the 925 Technology Silver Edition?
KC: My challenge was to create a feminine shoe, a pretty shoe. Maybe a pointy toe, maybe not, but a shoe with natural, organic movement and comfort technology. We created them with a business we acquired three year ago, Gentle Soles, which has its cult following. It’s very hard to do because you have less space to build up that cushioning and support. We refer to this as a “Movement to Support Movement!”

SA: Do you have plans to expand the 925 Technology?
KC: It’s going to be in all the shoes, which is exciting. We also have another project called Awearness, which is about service, volunteerism and social change. It’s also now a book. Periodically we launch a product, and the proceeds go to the Awearness Fund. The product this month is a rubber boot and a riding boot, with the proceeds going through the Awearness Fund and to AIDS research, which is an organization I run independently. So, it’s a way to make what you do bigger than it is, and you can truly feel good about the work you are doing.

SA: You have been involved in AIDS awareness for a very long time. How often do you do a product like this?
KC: We always look for ways to tell that story because it’s hard to tell it today. People have become numb and desensitized, so the goal was to find creative ways through products, merchandising, branding and marketing to tell that story.

SA: Now for the slightly more personal questions. What’s one item you can’t live without?
KC: I think we can’t live without our technology. We all seem to be overwhelmed with our need to be connected. I have this Facebook page because I’m supposed to do that. I’m supposed to connect with people on their terms, and it’s been a very interesting process. I’ve been trying to make friends, but it’s not so easy. So, if you have any friends that want friends or need friends, so do I! I’ve also been Tweeting and did a little something about tonight.

SA: What are you buying yourself for the holidays?
KC: Oh man… I’m probably going to buy myself a new camera, which is very odd right now because typically everything today consolidates all our technological needs into singular devices. But we still need a good camera.

SA: How would you define Chicago’s style?
KC: I think Chicago is a cool city, and I think it’s very urban. It’s very cool but very sensible and practical. I love Chicago, and we’ve had a wonderful following here and great business for many years. I think our business translates very well here.

We would have to agree!

By Meghan Turner

Shoe images courtesy of Kenneth Cole. Photography by Chelcie S. Porter

Tags: 925 Technology Silver Edition, Accessories, Awearness Fund, Chicago Events, Chicago Fashion, Chicago Shopping, Kenneth Cole, Shoes
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Finally! Jimmy Choo for H&M Hits Stores

Friday, November 13th, 2009

Gray suede dress, $249; zebra flats, $70; blue suede dress, $249, and studded belt, $60; bracelet, $40; black stiletto, $129; leopard print bag, $129; pink clutch, $60; black long-sleeve mini dress, $129; thigh-high boots, $299

H&M has thrown their Jimmy Choo collaboration in our faces for far too long, and tomorrow we finally get to raid the merchandise! Chicago is one of the select cities blessed with the Choo, but the Michigan Avenue location is the only store selling it. Shoppers will be lined up in hopes of adding the famous label to their wardrobes at a fraction of the cost for the real thing. Get there early, though, because the first 160 shoppers will be given bracelets with allotted time slots to shop the accessories, shoes and bags. After two hours, the store will open to all shoppers, allowing everyone else their grab the remaining goods. If you are shopper number 161 and up, one consolation is that everyone can purchase only one of each product. In other words, they can buy the entire collection, but no more than one of any given item. We have our eye on the black long-sleeve mini dress and thigh-high leather boots! Good luck, everyone!

By Meghan Turner

Images courtesy of H&M

Tags: Accessories, boots, Chicago Events, Chicago Shopping, dresses, H&M, Handbags, Jimmy Choo, Shoes
Posted in StyleBlog | 1 Comment »

Double Duty

Thursday, November 5th, 2009

Seasonal trends are like ticking time bombs for our wallets. We want every must-have look in every must-have color, but drastic times call for drastic shopping measures. With the bevy of glorious trends for autumn and winter, we’re helping you maximize your purchases to get the most trend bang for your buck. We compiled six items that tap into multiple trends so you can stretch your dollar and still get some of the season’s hottest looks.

Mini Dress + Structured Shoulders
A bodycon mini dress is a going-out necessity this fall, and shape-forming structured shoulders are a nod to the ‘80s resurrection. Mix them together, and you’ve got a hot dress that’s sexy but not over-the-top. Wear it with gladiator heels and a boyfriend blazer for an all-around fashion-forward look. Dress by Topshop, $80.

Velvet + Leggings
The holidays are around the corner, and velvet has a way of spreading some fashion cheer. It’s a classic fabric that’s been getting lots of runway attention, making it as hip as it is elegant. When it’s applied to leggings, it’s a stylish (and warm!) substitute for tights. And let’s face it, tights aren’t particularly desirable for Chicago ladies waiting in the snow and wind for delayed public transit. Leggings by J. Cooper at Lord & Taylor, $58.

Sweats + Blazer
Fashion and sweats rarely go in the same sentence, but cotton sweats are heating things up this season. We’re all for fashion that’s comfortable, so as long as it doesn’t resemble gym clothes, we’ll take it. When our favorite garment, the blazer, sports the comfy fabric, we’ll wear it until it’s a pile of lint. Blazer by Blake Standard, $158.

Drapery + One-Shoulder
When a dress combines draped satin and a one-shoulder neckline, the effect is a beautiful and flirty frock that satisfies the trend craving while maintaining a sense of classic fashion. Drapery awed on the fall runways and the one-shoulder grabbed attention for its youthful appeal, so this elegant pairing is an inspired duo that will awe your friends as well. Dress by Foley + Corinna at Intermix, $360.

Sequins + Metallic
Sequins and metallics are two trends that put a little sparkle in our eye. From handbags to dresses to cardigans, they’re on every imaginable accessory and garment this season. Many of the items are designed for day and evening, so you’ve got some creative freedom. One of our favorite fall looks is a gold sequin tank under a matte black double-breasted blazer. Tank by Club Monaco, $189.

Booties + Over-the-Knee
We’re shocked by this boot’s versatility and practicality. Each zipper removes a section of leather, taking the height from over-the-knee to bootie in seconds – just zip and go! The silver zippers give the boot a trendy edge whether it’s in one piece or not. Boots by Kors by Michael Kors at Zappos.com, $550.

By Meghan Turner

Images courtesy of Topshop, Lord & Taylor, Black Standard, Intermix, Club Monaco and Zappos

Tags: Accessories, Blake Standard, booties, Chicago Shopping, Club Monaco, Foley + Corinna, Intermix, Kors Michael Kors, Lord and Taylor, Over-the-knee boot, Shoes, Topshop, Trends, Zappos
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