KICK IT: Your Fall '14 Shoe Report

Photo courtesy ALDO.

Originally posted in The LOOK

You can always count on shoes to make the transition from warm to cold so much easier to bear. Talk to any woman about parkas, mitts and hats and her eyes instantly glaze over. But mention an amazing pair of fall boots you found and suddenly, this whole fall thing doesn't look so bad after all.

There's been a seismic sartorial shift in the shoe world this year. While we'll probably always lust after Carrie Bradshaw's infamous closetful of heels (and there are loads of pretty heels in stores for fall - see below) it's the more low-key footwear that has every editor and blogger really psyched. From flat over-the-knee boots and chunky-heeled booties to the new wear-with-everything sneakers and boy-meets-girl flats, comfort is key for fall; luckily, the new comfortable is anything but boring. This season, look for holographic finishes, cool textures, edgy zippers and playful prints to take your shoe closet (or shoe section of your closet) to the next level. And always remember this mantra when out shopping - it's never (repeat, never) about 'needs' when it comes to shoes.

Happy shoe shopping! This fall's going to be extra fun...

SEE MY FALL SHOE PICKS HERE...

SUMMER LOVE: Your Under-$100 Shoe Guide

A gorgeous shot from the Dune London S/S 2014 Campaign. Photo: Dune London.

Originally posted in The LOOK

If I had a dime for every time my husband told me I'm a shoe hoarder...just imagine all of the amazing shoes I could buy...sigh...Whether they're super strappy flat sandals or sky-high man-killers, I'm a total sucker for fierce footwear.

Summer is the perfect time to give our wallets a break with all of the affordable sandals in stores and luckily I've found plenty of ways to justify every pair. If you need a little help in this department the next time you're challenged on your 'need' for yet another pair (whether by your own conscience or by someone else) this little cheat sheet should help you out:

1) After so many months spent in socks and clunky boots, your poor feet need to breathe. Sandals are natural way to give your toes the oxygen they deserve. Note: I have exactly zero scientific studies to back this up.

2) Closed-toe loafers, boat shoes and slip-on sneakers are considered 'safety' footwear. You wouldn't want to slip while chasing after your little ones, would you?

3) You've spent all that hard-earned money on your pedicure. Sandals protect (and beautifully showcase) your investment so you can make the absolute most of your pedi potential.

4) Summer requires reaching higher places like that high cupboard where you keep your lemonade pitcher, the top bookshelf where you store your perfect barbecue cookbook and pruning errant branches off your wayward maple tree. Heels are kind of like a built-in stepladder, no?

5) Cute shoes = happy wives = happy husbands = happy lives. I'd say shoe shopping is a no-brainer, wouldn't you?

Check out my fav under-$100 summer shoe picks below. Don't say I didn't warn you...

SEE MY TOP SUMMER SHOE PICKS HERE...

Bag It Like Burberry

Clutches seen on the Burberry Spring '14 runway. Photos via glamour.com.

Originally posted in The LOOK

While I don't normally condone overt copycatting, be it bad Liza Minelli impersonators or fake Louis Vuittons, there are some instances where I'm totally okay with it.  Case in point: this Burberry doppelgänger from ALDO. While I don't personally know anyone willing to fork over $1550 for a bag as season-specific as The Petal, I do know loads of women willing to part with $45 for a bag so similar in style, colour and feel as the ALDO version below, without having to resort to fake tags and loud logos. Yes, it's a direct copy - no original ideas here - but do we really care, especially when the attention to detail is so impressive? 

Pick up your Floral Appliqué Clutch (in white, mint or pink) at ALDO now. 

ps - Speaking of Liza Minelli, I would normally have done a full Oscars fashion recap yesterday if I wasn't so busy moving. To make it short and sweet, loved Lupita (the lobe cuff was amazing but wish she hadn't done the headband), thought Kate Hudson and Naomi Watts both looked amazing (as always) and that Cate Blanchett's dress was lovely (but she should have worn more blush). Jennifer Lawrence and Julia Roberts didn't get the memo that peplum is O-VER but their dresses fit them beautifully which counteracted the trend ignorance. As for the worst? Anna Kendrick, hands down. Chick seriously needs to get a stylist. Kerry Washington gets a hall pass bc she is 9 months pregant and if you've ever been 9 months pregnant, you know that absolutely nothing fits your body at that stage, that there is nothing graceful or elegant or unwrinkled when you are that close to D-Day, so I really wish everyone would leave the poor girl alone. Thoughts?

ALDO Launches #FriendsFight Campaign

 

Photos courtesy ALDO

Though it might surprise many, ALDO is about more than just pretty shoes, and has raised an impressive $10 million (!) towards international AIDS efforts over the past 30 years. Now, ALDO is urging everyone to join its continued fight against AIDS with the launch of its new #FriendsFight Campaign. 

“We have been committed to the fight against AIDS as far back as 1985, when few were willing to take a stand. It’s a cause very close to our heart and today, more than ever, we continue our commitment to raising awareness and funds to help protect and educate people around the world. We’ve come a long way but the fight is not over yet,” said Aldo Bensadoun, Founder and Executive Chairman of the ALDO Group. “This bracelet is an important symbol. It represents friendship and solidarity. It’s an invitation to join together in the fight against AIDS.”

The unisex bracelets, available in red, black, navy and mint and designed in collaboration with Waris Loves You, will retail for $5 with 100% of net proceeds donated to Partners in Health, a non-profit whose groundbreaking HIV Equity Initiative in rural Haiti revolutionized the way the world approaches and funds diseases of the poor. The #FriendsFight friendship bracelets will be sold in select ALDO stores worldwide and online at www.aldoshoes.com starting Feb 1st, 2014. Buy one, or stack 'em up. Either way, you'll be helping an amazing cause. 

So, wanna fight?

xx

All That Glitters

Kate Bosworth for TOPSHOP Holiday 2013 - photo courtesy TOPSHOP

With all of the twinkly lights, sparkly bubbly and shiny ornaments on full display throughout December, it can be hard for a girl to get noticed. I've rounded up the prettiest glittery picks to help you stand out at any formal function, family gathering or festive fête. 'Tis the season to sparkle!

READ MORE...

(oh, and happy, happy Friday! xo)