Naturalizer Fall Collection & Shoe Giveaway

Not your mother's shoes...That was the message that the Naturalizer team set out to show shoppers last week.  My younger sister wouldn't let my own mother walk into a Naturalizer store for years to ween her away from frumpy but ultra-comfortable shoes.  

Angelique Joseph, the brand's director of product design has overhauled the look and direction for today's fashionistas.  The chic designer set out with distinctive trends to design around this fall.  My favorite, the ultra-hip "Mad Men" influenced retro-style.  This included vintage details like suede pleats and demure bows.  These were updated with stacked heels with platforms and stitched color blocked panels.  

Another direction was the Americana-inspired shearling collection. Rugged suede and warm shearling, faux fur were interpreted into trend-right platform boots.  

Naturalizer is not about style without substance.  The new design direction does not pull the brand away from its roots.  The team invited guests of their Fall fashion event to try out the actual shoes.  They are offered across a wide range of sizes and widths.  The pleasant surprise was stacked platform heels, prim pointed heels were actually very flexible and comfortable.  Their signature wearability was not lost in the stylistic revamp, and their price point stayed friendly too.

So...Are you inspired?  What if I told you that we're giving away a pair of these shoes for you to try yourself?  Check out their website and tell us which style is YOUR favorite in the comments section and we'll pick a winner at random.  (Winner chosen on October 31st).

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Melissa Shoe Launch with Lorenzo Martone and Michelle Levy

It wasn't all bikinis and babes in Miami. Stylish, swim-friendly footwear was served up as well.  PR maven Lorenzo Martone and creative director Michelle Levy hosted an al fresco brunch to present the upcoming season of Melissa Shoes. Formal waiters served a multi-course "meal" of shoes on silver trays.  They were a high-fashion update to the jelly shoes of yesteryear.

Ms. Fab spoke to Lorenzo Martone and asked about the design advantages of plastic over leather.  The dapper Martone explained that intricate open lace patterns would never be possible in leather the way they are in plastic.  Colors and finishes are limitless in plastics, but the same is not true of leathers.

The plastics are also highly recyclable and wearers are definitely encouraged to do so with their footwear.  At the presentation itself, an artistic re-purposing of Melissa Shoes was demonstrated in the tribal masks made from shoe parts from a local artist.  The company makes sustainability a high priority in its business and campaigns.

Lorenzo also spoke about past designer collaborations as well as upcoming projects with designer Jason Wu.  Previous partners include Vivienne Westwood and Paco Rabanne.  

The heat was almost unbearable that day at noon, but it made me realize the most practical aspect of Melissa Shoes.  They are perfect for running straight into the pool.

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Fergie Presides Over FN's Next Shoe Star

Have you discovered the next shoe design star?  Brown Shoes ramped up its web series competition by adding some celebrity star power.  Six shoe design students from the Fashion Institute of Technology are competing to be the next shoe star as judged by Lucky Magazine Editor Brandon Holley and VP of Macy's Tony Pelle.  

The Black Eyed Peas Fergie was a guest judge for the challenge where the designers competed to design a shoe for the Fergie Fall 2011 collection.  Besides the actual shoe, the challenge consisted of creating a presentation on what they believed the Fergie buyer would want next season.  Their vision ranged from sparkles to studs to fur.  The game stakes?  A full time design position as a designer at Brown.

Click here to watch clips from the show: 

Photos courtesy of FN Shoe Star

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Fratelli Rossetti 2011 Illustrated by Rebecca Moses

MsFABulous was invited for an intimate preview of the Fratelli Rosetti's 2011 Autumn/Winter collection, hosted by  the renowned designer and illustrator, Rebecca Moses.   Rebecca told us the theme for her illustrations for the shoe collection was the "old mother goose who lived in a shoe" a classic English nursery tale. Rebecca's illustrated girls are gorgeous, leap tall buildings in boots, play and well, do it all.

Ms. Moses' created her world illustrations by associating a footwear piece with each city.  The fur boot was perfect for the cold mountains of China.  The green shoe was developed in her honor by the brand and represents her home city of New York...

Our sneak peek into the Fall season made us covet everything from soft fur high heel boots to the classic equestrian style riding boots with practical convertible pieces.  You can wear the same pair of boots as short ankle boots and add the calf piece to make it into classic riding boots. I loved this idea especially when shoe closet space is at a premium in tiny New York  apartments.

Fratelli Rossetti shoes are statement pieces that are made in Italy right outside of Milano.  The shoes stay on the shoe lasts ( the 'dressform' for shoes) for up to 4 days and are made from beautifully pebbled calf, suede and box calf leathers. The tanning produces rich, natural colors such as tan and chocolate browns but also, for the season, there are shots of burgundy, hunter green and teal added to the mix both for the girls and for the well groomed man in your life or at least, within your sight.

The men's collection is equally luxe and fabulous. Soft, sumptuous leathers in pebbled grain calfs with washed skins range in shapes from the classic Oxford and Derby to the more rugged Balmoral boot. When I inquired about the craftsmanship of pieces, I found out that  each piece takes many hours to make depending on the style and complexity with sewing the uppers, stitching the linings, and adding welted details to the shoes.  The bottom soles come with classic leather soles to a mix of rubber and leather soles with an array of treatments to give it a flash of color or weathering.  

As a shoe aficionado, I can definitely say these shoes are well made and will stand the test of time with tough New York  City pavements.

So, go on, be that fabulous woman from Rebecca's chic illustrations with beautiful and well edited shoes who can stylishly  travel to Paris, New York, Hong Kong and beyond.

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Vivienne Westwood Baby Shoes

It simply isn't fair.  In bad weather, I have already coveted these ladybug boots that are only available in children's sizes.  Then came these stylin' Mary Jane socks that are not sold in adult sizes either.  

Now Vivienne Westwood adds insult to injury with this collection of "Mini Melissa" shoes.  They have graphic over-sized hearts or bows in triplicate.  They are the younger version of the "Melissa" line.  The back strapped heels are cushioned for comfort.  I can't even use my nephew as an excuse to buy them.  

With shoes like these, there is absolutely no excuse for those toddler-torture heels that Mrs. Tom Cruise favors for daughter Suri.  On the other hand, maybe I just have disproportionately immature taste in footwear.  

How will your toes ring in the new year?

Photo from Childmode.com

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Circumpolar Shoe Fetish - Arctic Style and Function

Two days ago, I posted a roundup of warm boots for sale for those stuck in the blizzards.  Today, I bring you a few selections native to polar regions around the world.  The Bata Shoe Museum in Toronto celebrates the style and function of footwear.  The following boots are from their collection:

 

This is a pair of boots from the Saami people of Finland.   Made of white reindeer hide, the curled up toes are a signature detail for Saami footwear.   This pair was made in Finland by Helena Naakkaalaajaarvi.  White reindeer is considered rare.  Boots like these, while cozy would also be worn for important ceremonies and weddings.

These boots are from the Russian Nanai people.  They were made and intricately appliquéd by Anna Michailovna Beldi of Sakhalin Island - which is just between Japan and mainland Russia.  The boots are lightweight and waterproof.  The soles are made of fish skin.

These Kamik boots from Injivik, Canada were made of furry seal skin.  Seal skin was used by the Inuit people for its warmth and waterproof quality.  The triangle motifs indicate that the footwear was made for a female wearer.  


It seems no matter how far up north you go, there is someone perfectly capable of keeping you toasty and stylish... Are we ready for an igloo runway show yet?
Photos from Bata Shoe Museum Blog

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ShoeFete Vegan Shoe Party!

 A few weeks ago, I made a pilgrimage to one of my favorite shrines, Bergdorf Goodman.  After I had gone through the entire Men’s Store, I made my way across the street to the main store.  Inevitably, I found myself in the shoe department drooling over the latest Chanels, Louboutins, Choos and Manolos.  I have no practical purpose for them, so it isn’t a question of buying them.  For me, it is more like going to a gallery and appreciating a fine piece of art.  I guess I have a bit of Carrie Bradshaw in my DNA.
Imagine if you could shop for shoes in your own home or in the home of a friend in a relaxed party setting?  You could try them on, get feed back from friends, sip a nice glass of wine and just play!  Well, if you live in Southern California you can do just that with ShoeFete.  Created by mother daughter team Caryn and Ali Shaye, ShoeFete brings the shoes to you through shoe parties. Shoefete offers a line of super trendy shoes and purses at amazing prices.  These shoes and bags are not only sexy, but they are Vegan!!  As a connoisseur of fine shoes, all I can say is that these are top notch.

You can host a shoe party in your home or business and they will bring the shoes and purses to you.  The host automatically gets a pair of shoes of her choice and the more her guests spend, the more free shoes she gets.  Sounds like a win-win situation to me.

If you are lucky enough to live in Southern California, check out ShoeFete and become a host!  And, while I won’t buy the shoes for obvious reasons, invite me too so I can appreciate the artistry of the shoes over a glass of wine. ;-)

-Reported by Mdivani Monroe of Ladies Who Lunch Travel

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Cougar Boots Fall Fashion Update

Winter is coming and I had the pleasure of reconnecting with a brand from my childhood.  I received a fabulous package of Cougar Boots, a Canadian brand that I had not seen since the second grade.

I remember they were always practical, warm and popular with every other little munchkin in my class.  What I don’t remember was that they were fashionable. 

Flash forward to the class of 2010… During a particularly bad slush-filled blizzard day during NY Fashion Week, I realized I had absolutely nothing appropriate to wear on my feet.  I had either lambskin stiletto heels or ugly, but waterproof hiking boots.  The slush was above my ankles.  There was no way to venture out and look stylish AND have dry feet…

The tall, furry Ringo Star boots I just received would have solved all my dilemmas that day.  They look edgy in slick black.  The fur topped edges mirror the trends of this fall season.  They look great with leggings and my favorite jackets.  For once, I couldn’t wait for cooler weather.  (Be careful what you wish for…the next morning, New Yorkers were attacked with gusty winds and hail).

Photo editor Fab Ritika was in need of new rubber boots.  Her last pair met some inexplicable demise (apparently it was a melting mishap that she doesn’t want to talk about).  Our girl loves bright colors and prints.  She took a shining to the Tibet style from Cougar.  The bright red rubber with ribbed stripe knit were clearly suited her palette perfectly.  The style isn’t earth-shattering, but they work with a fashion forward look.

I’m not usually a fan of class reunions, but Cougar totally made the trip worthwhile! 


Like the boots?  Answer their survey! 

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Manolo Blahnik Sketches Shoes

The legendary shoe designer was in town to sign his new book, Manolo's New Shoes.  The gorgeous tome showcases the designer's sketches.  The illustrations remind you how a shoe can be a work of art.  The new collection of Manolo Blahnik's shoes were also debuted on the Bergdorf Goodman floor that evening.  It was nice to see the sketch and final product next to each other.

Ladies who lunch with a shoe fetish sipped champagne as they lined up to meet the designer.  Vogue editor Andre Leon Talley camped himself in a corner to bellow out instructions to the department store staff.  He also bullied Mr. Blahnik into putting on a pair of his own designs to pose with his book for a photo op.  

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