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Closet Talk: Jeffrey Campbell's Situation Pump

Sarah Conley — Sat, 18 Jun 2011 20:35:43 EDT

$124.95$61.90 by Jeffrey Campbell at Nordstrom

While performing my weekend ritual - aka laying in bed with my laptop and hitting all the shopping sites that never let me down - I happened upon the sweetest pump you'd never expect me to wear. If we're being honest, I love everything about the Jeffrey Campbell Situation pump (except the name). Naturally, I ordered them immediately.

These pumps are truly everything that I could want in a shoe. A sane heel (also known as anything 3" or below), a pointy toe and a classic color combination. I may even be wearing them as I type this. Sizing tip: I do have to say that they do run a smidge on the small side and are a bit narrow (as most pointy toes tend to be).

Fast forward to 6 or so weeks later as I'm performing my weekend ritual, browsing Nordstrom and I'm shocked to discover that not only is this style still available, but it's also 50% off.

What was that? You're welcome.

Fashion Flash: Betsey Johnson Fall/Winter 2011 Accessories Preview

Sarah Conley — Tue, 31 May 2011 10:00:00 EDT

It's no secret that I've been a long-time fan of Betsey Johnson. From her silly cartwheels to rhinestone necklaces that spell "Ride Me", what's not to love? Naturally, when I was invited to view the fall accessories collection at the Gramercy Park Hotel, I accepted.

For Fall/Winter 2011, Betsey has a few surprises in store. It was nice to see all the accessories together, telling a cohesive story of glitter, bows, animal prints and embellishments. The collection ranges from footwear to jewelry, belts, eyewear (both sunglasses and optical), as well as scarves and handbags. If Betsey's collection is any indication, we'll continue to rock platform pumps, animal prints and oxfords well through fall.

For a full preview of what's to come, click through the gallery below. See anything that's on your wish list? Share it in the comments below!

Sludgetrippin': Sorel's 1964 Premium Snowboot

Sarah Conley — Tue, 04 Jan 2011 10:00:00 EST

Sorel Women's 1964 Premium Snowboot

$110.00 by Sorel at Endless.com

Since moving to New York, I feel like I have needed twice as many shoes as I did living in the south. Not just for the snow and the rain, but for the cold, the comfort, walking from the train, putting on your heels at work and all points in between. Not to mention, living a pedestrian lifestyle can wear your shoes out incredibly quickly. Forget Snowpocalypse - I feel like I'm constantly in a Shoepocalypse.

Speaking of Snowpocalypse, the day after the storm I discovered that my trusty snowboots were in dire need of repair. Naturally with almost two feet of snow on the ground, I immediately began scouring the internet for a replacement pair. My blogging buds Amber & Julia have always raved about their Sorel boots, but I was on the fence. I've never felt compelled to own wellies, but after walking through 20-something inches of melting snow, I was tired of my feet being wet.

After a laborious decision, I chose the Sorel 1964 Premium Snowboot in Black (obviously). When I picked the boots up out of the box, I was shocked by how heavy they felt. When I put them on, the sheer sturdiness and heft of the boots blew me away. Admittedly, I walked around the city like I was walking around in a spacesuit.

They're sturdy. They're waterproof. They're warm. With 5 snowy days on the 10-day forecast, I have a feeling that I'll be wearing these more this winter than I might expect.

Siren Song: Cesare Paciotti Fall/Winter 2010/2011 Lookbook

Sarah Conley — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 14:00:00 EDT

This fall, styles seem to be divided between ladylike and downright naughty across designers, retailers and price points. Cesare Paciotti's Fall 2010 collection is no different, with ladylike pumps seamlessly transitioning into sexy cutouts and sky high platforms.

New for Fall 2010, Cesare Paciotti has incorporated sexy new soles into the line, using red leather with a gorgeous black lace overlay. The collection plays with opulence, from the new red leather soles to the sky high platforms, and some styles are even encrusted with Swarovski crystals, plus Paciotti's signature gold daggers on the bottom of every style.

Click through the gallery below to view the entire Fall/Winter 2010/2011 collection of shoes and handbags. Which style do you love the most? Are you more ladylike than naughty? Share in the comments below!

Lusting After: Kathryn Kerrigan's Fall 2010 Lookbook

Sarah Conley — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 14:00:00 EDT

During the past few seasons, it never fails that I end up lusting over Kathryn Kerrigan's designs. Not only does she design beautiful, stylish shoes, but Kathryn believes in creating footwear for women euro sized 39 - 46 (roughly US sizes 8 - 16).

While there are a few brands that cater to larger sizes, the majority of them are poorly designed, poorly made or a dangerous combination of both. I've been wearing a pair of Kathryn Kerrigan silver ankle booties every fall for a few years now (I think at least 3) and they are still as gorgeous and comfortable as they day I received them.

For fall, Kathryn has focused on five key trends: Classic/Vintage, Skins, Indigo, Hardware, and Military.

To view her fall collection, along with the collection's inspiration, click through the gallery below. Which trend is your favorite? Share in the comments below!

Never, Ever Will I Clog - Will You?

Sarah Conley — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 20:22:59 EDT

People are REALLY loving clogs lately. Of course, not everyone is jumping on the trend, simply because the style is so polarizing.

I personally cannot stand clogs. There is nothing about them that I find desirable. The violate my first rule of shoes, which is that they must have a back. Can you imagine walking down the subway stairs, only to have your shoe mysteriously fly off? EW.

The style also violates my second rule of shoes, which is that (generally speaking) I don't wear wood. There have been very few styles with a wooden heel or wedge that have captured my attention, and I don't anticipate this changing anytime soon.

There are some outfits where I can appreciate the need for a clog, but I just can't get over how closely it resembles Crocs. CROCS, people.

Take a scroll through this widget of clog monstrosities below, and tell me - can you clog? Will you clog? Can you still see after viewing SO MANY clogs?

clogs

Sneak Peek: Cole Haan's Fall/Winter 2010 Collection

Sarah Conley — Wed, 12 May 2010 10:00:00 EDT

While I haven't paid much attention to Cole Haan in recent years, I was presently surprised when I visited their showroom a few weeks ago to view the Fall/Winter 2010 collection. The collection is divided into styles inspired by the country and the city, along with the Maria Sharpova for Cole Haan collection.

Standouts in the collection include the sumptuous leathers (of course) that are used in the gorgeous oxfords, knee high boots and a standout reversible metallic tote (unfortunately, my photo didn't turn out well). What I appreciated most about the Cole Haan footwear was the attention to comfort detail, from the Nike technology integration to the tread detail, I felt confident that these styles would offer a distinct advantage above their competitors.

What are your favorite items from Cole Haan? Which of these styles are you most looking forward to this Fall?

Celebrate Earth Day: Go Green With Naya Shoes

Sarah Conley — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 10:06:57 EDT

Whenever I hear about "eco friendly" products, I am always concerned about.....the lack of attractiveness. Not that there is anything wrong with being "green" or concerned about our environment, but to be honest, I haven't seen many brands that do eco-conscious fashion well. When I was introduced to Naya, I definitely had my concerns.

Let's face it - I live in New York and I work in fashion. There's a certain level of expectations when it comes to my wardrobe that I am always to surpass. On top of all that, I wear a size 12 in shoes (seriously!) and it's incredibly hard to find something that is appropriate for my lifestyle and fits comfortably. Things are looking up in that department, but I'm always looking for something new and exciting. I was thrilled to see that Naya produces shoes my size!

As I skimmed the styles, these black gladiator-inspired flats caught my eye. Not too many straps, a cushy footbed and supple leather all caught my eye - could these be my ever day Summer sandal? Upon receiving the Salida, I was pleasantly surprised - they were everything I hoped they would be and more. After only having the opportunity to wear them a couple of times, they have become my favorite sandals.

Admittedly, I'm pretty shocked that I feel so hard for an eco-friendly product. Naya's commitment to the environment extends through their commitment to organic or sustainable fabrics, sustainable and biodegradeable materials, and water soluble adhesives. For more informatin, please visit Naya's Shoe Pledge.

Check out these versatile Naya styles below. Are there any that catch your eye?

Naya

Torrid Style Tour: Black Boot Basics

Sarah Conley — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 20:25:10 EDT

Black Faith Peeptoe Bootie $42 - Torrid

Black Crinkle Gretchen Peeptoe Bootie $42 - Torrid

Black Carrie Peeptoe Bootie $42 - Torrid

Black Britney Distressed Boot $62 - Torrid

Black Pebble Tina Slouch Boot $62 - Torrid

Black Aunika Boot $62 - Torrid

Can Shoes Really Love You?

Sarah Conley — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 15:19:28 EDT

These days, it's pretty hard to get your money's worth out of any product. You can spend $30 on a lipstick, but will you have the opportunity to use the full tube before it expires? Do you feel that by the time you have used a gallon of gas it was worth the $3? There's an entire psychology built around the perception of cost & worth, so there's no point in me adding my 2 cents.

What I can tell you about are shoes - that love you. I'm not talking the romantic, red roses & candles, remembers your birthday kind of love. I'm referring to the type of love that provides arch support, is vegan friendly, recycleable and provides a 2 year warranty. If that doesn't get your attention, maybe the price will. You receive all the above (not the roses & candles, silly) for $35. No joke.

OKA B makes smart, comfortable sandals at affordable price points. They come embelleshed with fun flowers, rhinestones or bows and a whole rainbow of colors. If all these reasons weren't good enough, they are produced large enough to fit my size 12 feet.

Have you ever work OKA b shoes? If not, show me a pair you like the in the comments below!