Second City Style Fashion Blog - Style, Luxury, Beauty & Shopping

Hype Surrounding Manolo Blahnik NYC Sample Sale Leaves Loyalists Uneasy

It seems sometimes people can be too connected. Last week, in anticipation of the typically top secret Manolo Blahnik sample sale at NYC's Warwick hotel on November 12th, several bloggers and fashion media personnel have decided to let the news of the exclusive event slip to the general public. Now, tried and true fans of the brand are worried that the exposure to the sale will result in a full-on footwear frenzy (this seems to be happening a lot this week, see: coverage of the inevitable craziness for the Jimmy Choo for H&M collection due out this weekend).

Racked NY even quotes blogger Fashion Prospectress who worries that, "Inventory is completely insufficient for a massive stampede—there are probably only 80-100 pairs of shoes per size." The vets of the sale also note that in the past when less attention was stirred up, loyalists to the brand were able to walk away with a few pairs of deeply discounted designer shoes. Fashion Prospectress seems to think that, do to all the recent hullabaloo, the reps in charge of the sale may change the date or the location in order to prevent pandemonium. Racked NY has also promised to keep us posted of any changes that may occur.

Article Source: Racked NY
Photo Source: alifemorefabulous
-Alia Rajput

Zanotti Follows Louboutin in Saying No to Difusion Lines.

Giuseppe Zanotti with Blake Lively in Saks Firth Avenue, New York

In the second straight week, a luxury footwear designer has made an appearance at a high end department store for some meet and greet time with their customers— and turned down the notion of ever designing a diffusion line. Last week at Bergdorf Goodman, amidst autographing some of his trademark red soles, Christian Louboutin turned down the idea of doing a Jimmy Choo-like diffusion line for H&M, saying, "Not that I don't think it's an interesting idea, but it's a lot of work really, so it's just difficult for me to do it."

And yesterday, at Saks Fifth Avenue in New York with teeming crowds of fans including Blake Lively, Giuseppe Zanotti snapped pictures and spoke to Stylelist, sharing his thoughts on the recession and the new diffusion line craze. Zanotti admitted the recession had affected business but that he had decided not to lower his standards of design in order to cut costs. "My collection is consistently very expensive," Zanotti said. "But we needed to cut the costs, and when I tried to design the collection with this idea in my head, I was absolutely unhappy. I said, "Forget it, I don't want to change. I want to be free even if it's the last season I do a collection."

On a fast fashion line, Zanotti said, "For myself, no. I saw my sandal in an H&M on Fifth Avenue. And I took a shot and sent to my friend and he goes, "It's not possible. They are the same." I'm not super happy when they copy my shoes, but I understand. It's nice when fashion is accessible to everybody. If a girl loves Balmain, and needs to have something like it, it's nice that H&M does that. But I don't think Giuseppe Zanotti designing for another brand makes sense. Some designers have a house behind them, but I am physically here and I shouldn't have to put my name on something like that." So until further notice, it looks like Jimmy Choo for H&M will be satisfying all of our luxury footwear needs!

Article Source: NY Mag, Stylelist
Photo Source: Saks Fifth Avenue
-Alia Rajput

Anna Sui Designs Fitflop Boot

While there are certainly ladies who enjoy working out, the majority of us look at the gym the most dreaded of chores. Fitflop, the brand behind those rather unattractive flip flops that claim to make even a walk to the grocery store turn into a workout, has come up with their winter alternative and has even signed on Anna Sui to design the Fitflop boot. The limited-edition boot, the Shakoha, will have suede, metal studs and hand-stiched detail and use the Microwobbleboard^TM technology that Fitflop is famous for. The boot will be available on November 10. This boots is made for walking!

-Nina Krek

Story Source: Fitflop, PSFK

Photo Source: PSFK.com,

Choo Boots for H&M are Worth the Splurge, Gap Still Waiting on Pierre Hardy

An official campaign ad for Jimmy Choo for H&M, shot by Terry Richardson

In the world of diffusion lines, there was a lot to discuss today in footwear fashion. First, as the Jimmy Choo for H&M, launch date steadily approaches (November 14th),women everywhere are sharpening their nails in preparation to claw an eye out or two for the piece of the apparel and accessories collection. And why shouldn't they? The line includes fringed dresses, suede bags, and leather boots, all at (or at least around) the H&M price point. Jimmy Choo founder and president Tamara Mellon admitted the Choo team had a hard time creating nice things at an H&M price point. Perhaps that's why they just had to make the over the knee boots at a staggering $299. But Mellon insists it's worth the splurge since all the shoes in the collection are in fact, real leather.“It’s buy-now, wear-now for party season," she said, adding that the collection was versatile in its ability to work from day to night.

In other fast fashion footwear news, Gap has missed another projected launch date for their Pierre Hardy for Gap boot collection. The collaborative effort with the designer was supposed to hit stores last month. After the original date came and went, Gap insisted that the boots would be on shelves yesterday. They even went so far as to tell NYC fashion blogs to remind their readers to check out the collection. But alas, as the team at Racked discovered, none of the stores had received the inventory yet. Gap's flagship store on 5th Ave. in New York said the boots are in fact delayed but should be available later this week. So where's Pierre hiding his goods? Perhaps he just wants to avoid some Choo-like pandemonium.

Article Source: Racked, NY Mag
Photo Source: NY Mag
-Alia Rajput

Jeffrey Monteiro Creates Urban, Worn-In Shoe Line For Spring

Looks from Jeffrey Monteiro's spring shoe collection

Although the spring shows of fashion season has wrapped, more items are popping up for us to look forward to as we weather the colder climate of the coming months. Enter Jeffrey Monteiro's newly launched shoe collection for spring. The up and coming designer wowed buyers and shoppers alike with his simplistic, refined resort collection earlier this year. Now Monteiro is already releasing pics of his spring mini footwear line in order for the desire to appropriately set in. And although the styles boast a raw, deconstructed chic similar to his spring '10 collection (which he claimed was inspired by industrial street-style photos), they carry a sweet, ladylike essence as well. And the best part is, the mini-line of heels, sandals, and flats have been concocted from a mixture of worn-in leather, hardware and wood, so they already possess that comfort and broken-in aesthetic, but minus the nail poking through your heel. Monteiro says the collection will hit stores early next year.

Article and Photo Source: Refinery 29
-Alia Rajput

Via Spiga Footwear. What You Need Is What You Want.

 

There are some things that you want, and some things that you really need. But in the case of Via Spiga footwear - both apply!

Paola Venturi, the new Creative Director for the brand was at Norsdtrom in Chicago last week which was the best excuse to revisit the amazing shoe department there. Not only was I going to get to talk about my favorite subject - shoes - but meet an Italian shoe designer! In matter of seconds after meeting we were in full-blown shoe conversation, only interrupted by several gasps (coming from me) as I approached my favorite shoes and boots from the Via Spiga fall collection that she was showing me. Paola has over two decades of experience in shoe design. She lives in Milan and is the architect of design and the creative vision for all of Via Spiga products, including handbags and belts. To me, it is a dream job!

SCS: I love that the brand has an Italian Influence but who are you designing for? How do you go about designing a shoe collection?

Paola: Marketing does all the research on what we need to provide for a given collection. They lay out all that is needed and I design for those specifics.

 
Via Spiga Classic Round Toe Pump $175

SCS: (first gasp) Ohhh - Now this is just the perfect pump. I can see many women in Chicago loving these. We are kind of conservative, so these are great for work ...or dress. A nice toe, little platform ...these look very comfortable.

Paola: Everywhere - they love this shoe! This is very popular. Yes it is basic, so that is why I also wanted to offer it in the metallic. I think the metallic can be worn in the same way as black!

SCS: I see the platforms are still big (which I love) - but I was starting to seeing a trend at last year's (Fall 09) fashion week where the shoes were coming down off of the platform, a pointier toe, a little more like a classic 50's pump.

Paola: Yes, did you notice that? That is a direction that shoe design is taking, but the platforms are still big right now.

 
Via Spiga 'Oren' Flat $148

SCS: Flats are important, and I like that these have a little heel and are not so flat-flat.

Paola: Yes, and a new direction that we are taking is with the use of different hardware and different leathers, soft textured crocodile embossed patents and suedes.

  

Via Spiga 'Cody' Riding Boot Now $229.90

SCS: Your classic riding style boots are great. Easy to walk in, and very refined, not clunky.

Paola: The boots are cut slimmer, more feminine. I also design men's shoes, so I know the difference. I have these - (she shows me a basic black platform bootie) and I wear them with everything!

SCS: Those ARE perfect for everything...(another gasp)

 

Via Spiga 'Mellia' Boot $298 and "Must have"  Via Spiga Over the Knee Stretch Leather Boot $498

Paola: These are also very easy to walk in. (She shows me a covered wedge boot, pictured above, left) And you can wear them up over the knee, or fold it down!

SCS: That wedge is another great one! Now these over the knee boots... so simple, with stretch, again the not-too-high platform. Over the knee may be a trend - but these boots are just right!

Paola: This is a great boot to have this season. With a dress, with coats, or more casual over leggings or slim jeans with a long sweater...

 

Via Spiga Avery $230

SCS: I think I may have to tell everyone that they simply must get these over the knee boots for this season! It's a practical trend! And they also need these Avery platforms...How cool are these? Seriously - a woman can wear these a lot! And then they need a bootie... and of course then you have to get the pump...

— Carol Calacci

Blahnik Tonic. Chie Mihara Fall '09 Faves

 

I have been a huge fan of Chie Mihara shoes and boots for years. I bought my first two pairs at Robin Richman in Chicago about 4 years ago (and a few more at Niche and Bloomingdale's). I love them not only for their style, but for comfort. Slightly retro, yet with a heel height that does not frighten me...I quickly became a huge fan. The shoes are so comfortable, you can wear them all day...in fact I did back during my Neiman Marcus days. I have had my collection resoled more times than I have any other brand of shoes I own. To me that's a huge testament that they are worth keeping around, are very wearable and don't go out of style quickly. I get more compliments on my purple suede Chie Mihara retro booties, but I digress.

The Spanish shoe designer actually lived in New York and is of Japanese decent, but was born in Brazil. Got that? It's important to note that history because her aesthetic is influences by all of the above. I recently found out Chie has a background in orthopedic footwear, which is why her footwear is so comfortable! For Fall '09 she has really outdone herself. These collection are ultra-feminine and vintage-inspired. Check out the amazing ruffle, cutout and jeweled detailing. I want every pair. It has been a few years since I added to my Chie Mihara shoe wardrobe and I think it's now time to get some more!

 

 

" You don't have suffer to be beautiful" - Chie Mihara.

Check out this video of Chie below!

- Lauren Dimet Waters

Loeffler Randall Launches New E-Commerce Site.

Loeffler Randall heels

Tuesday was the big day for addiction-worthy shoe label Loeffler Randall as they launched their highly anticipated e-commerce site. CEO and creative director Jessie Randall told the press she was very excited to debut the label's first retail outlet at loefflerrandall.com, which features a thorough collection of the brand's ready to wear apparel—such as blazers, dresses, and tops— along with its timeless selection of shoes. The inventory of trademark boots, pumps, and flats that can be bought on the site isn't even where the fun of the experience ends; all purchases from Loeffler Randall's retail site are delivered in adorable printed packaging with a handwritten thank you note. Hows that for service with a smile!

In addition to the shopping portion, the site will also feature a blog, which will be updated with news alerts, featured products, the label's inspirations (for Fall 2009, the lines of sculptor Louise Bourgeois), and other little extras from the Loeffler Randall team. And as an added bonus, from now until October, a portion of all online sales will go to Living India, a charity founded in 2005 which runs an orphanage in South India for HIV-positive children.

Article Source: fashionweekdaily, WWD
Photo Source: papermag
-Alia Rajput

Blahnik Tonic. Flip-Flops Not Just Ugly, But Dangerous.

We all wear them from time to time, but come on...we know they are ugly. But who knew they could kill you? According to the New York Daily News your flip-flops (yes, even the Tory Burch ones) are magnets for dangerous and deadly bacteria. Ew.

That film of grime that coats your feet at the end of a day of flip-flopping around city streets, the subway, the grocery store, you name it...is some dangerous dirt which gets ground into the rubber of your flip-flops. Lab tests of two sets of flip-flops, worn for four days, revealed a potentially deadly germ - Staphylococcus aureus - living on the rubber. If it seeps into a cut on your foot - an entirely common summer affliction - the bacteria can enter the bloodstream and, if left untreated, kill you. Um, grossness!

A $3.50 pair of rubber flip-flops were found to have harbored approximately 18,100 bacteria of the five most prevalent varieties found. (If you wear them into a public restroom expect roughly 13,900 more bacteria.)

Good reason to wear shoes...right?

Read more "Flip-flops are a magnet for dangerous, deadly bacteria" here.

Vintage Shoe Label Charles Jourdan Plans a Comeback for Fall

Vintage Charles Jourdan pump

It has just been announced that one of the most innovative shoe designers of the sixties and seventies, Charles Jourdan, will be making a comeback with an upcoming line. Still beloved by vintage shoe collector's everywhere, the Charles Jourdan label will be debuting the newest designs at Paris Fashion week this October. The label's relaunch will be helmed by designer Alexandra Neel, who has previously worked at both Balenciaga and Celine. “I try to do something very different for stiletto addicts who are looking for something other than [the] usual," she said. Neel seems very enthused by the old-meets-new project and so are we; we can't wait to see what the Charles Jourdan team comes up with!

Article Source: newyorkmag
Photo Source: stylehive
-Alia Rajput