Shoes

Spring 2011 Shoes Trends: Ankle Straps

 in General Fashion / Shoes / Trends  tagged ankle straps / runway trends / spring 2011 / summer 2011 by

Ankle straps are making a comeback on everything from flat sandals to sky-high heels. The last time the ankle strap donned the well-heeled was about five to six years ago when Manolo Blahnik created bow tie ankle strap heels and Chanel strapped the ankles of the fashion savvy everywhere.

The high heels and flat sandals on the runway in New York, Paris, London and Milan showed varied sole heights and color combinations. Some of the trends that were visible were bold colors mixed together, suede, flowers and embellishments. The one common theme on shoes was the ankle strap. The ankle straps on the runway at Louis Vuitton featured both buckles and bow tie’s. While John Galliano featured platforms with buckled ankle straps. Christian Dior featured bow tie ankle straps that wrapped around the ankle a few times; a nod to the Greek sandal. Nina Ricci featured both single and double buckled ankle straps as well as the bow tie ankle strap. Dolce & Gabbana also featured both the bucked ankle strap and the bow tie version. Versace showed thick, buttoned ankle straps which gave a nod to the 1960’s trend. Gianfranco Ferre featured a triple, buckled ankles strap on his runway. Gucci showed the single, buckled ankle strap. Anna Sui’s take on the ankle strap was with two thick, criss-cross straps that buckled in the back. Rodarte also featured thick, buckled ankle straps on the runway as well as Bagley Mishka. Marc Jacobs featured scarf bow tie ankle straps on his New York Fashion Week runway which stood out against neutral, everyday separates.

The verdict is in! The ankle strap is back and it is coming in many different forms from bow tie’s, to single, double and even triple straps. The criss cross ankle strap, although not as visible, will also be part of the trend. This is a great trend for shopping your closet. The ankle strap comes and goes every few years, so if you do not already have a pair in your closet from the last time around, this is a great trend to invest in. The high heels are showing in both platform and flat soles. There is mix of colors and textures. You cannot go wrong with any color combination or fabrication. Metallic, pastels, bold colors, candy colors, exotics, patterns. . . the list goes on for what will hot for spring 2011 shoes. Happy shopping and stay fabulous 

Rain boots for fall; stay fabulous even during the worst storms!

 in Bay Area Fashion / General Fashion / Shoes  tagged boots / chanel / fall 2010 / rain gear / winter 2011 by

Rain boots and rain shoes are one of the more difficult items to find while shopping for fall. Although the rainy season has not started yet here in the Bay Area, this is the perfect time to shop for rain gear since the stores are fully stocked and many Fashionistas are not thinking about the wet weather just yet. Every year, Bay Area Fashionistas wait until the first rain storm to run to the mall for rain boots, rain shoes and other wet weather essentials. By the time everyone arrives at the store for rain gear,all of the good items are gone! That is why the best time to shop for rain boots, rain shoes and rain gear is right now; before the rain comes.

The biggest challenge for a Fashionista on a rainy day is staying true to his or her personal style yet remaining as dry as possible. That last thing anyone wants to do is wear a fabulous pair of leather boots when the rain is pouring down out of the sky! The best solution for remaining dry and leaving the Prada boots at home is to invest in a fabulous pair of rubber boots; and not the ones from a fishing store!

Chanel has the most incredible pair of rain boots for fall 2010. Chanel’s rain boots hit about mid-calf and feature two camellia’s on the outside shaft of the boots. There is a goldtone Chanel insignia on the flowers making the rain boots not only functional but fashionable! Although the price tag is high for rain boots at $395, as long as Chanel’s rain boots are not worn while walking through a river on a fishing trip, they should hold up for several years; making the Chanel rain boots a good wet weather investment purchase.

Gucci is also offering a rain boot for fall with a 2″ heel in black, green or bordeaux rubber. The boots are sleek and offer straight lines which helps to make them easy to pair with any wet weather outfit. Gucci’s rain boots are $270. Burberry also offers rain boots for fall with their signature nova-check at $225. There are also rubber lace rain boots by Valentino for $295 which are lavender and sassy.

The largest selection of rain boots comes from Hunter. Hunter offers everything from traditional rubber or “welly” boots in a variety of colors to motorcycle inspired styles with straps and buckles. The Hunter line of rain boots can be found for under $225 at Neiman Marcus.

Staying dry and looking fabulous can go hand in hand. There is no reason to throw on yellow fishing boots as soon as the sky opens up. Chanel, Gucci and Hunter offers fabulous and fashionable solutions for Fashionistas in the Bay Area and beyond. Happy shopping and stay fabulous. 

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Chanel rain boots fall 2010.
Photo copyright 2010 Bay Area Fashionista

Fall 2010 Fashion: Boots

 in General Fashion / Shoes / Trends  tagged boots / fall 2010 / winter 2011 by

Boots for Fall 2010 are returning to more classic lines, yet still offered a bit of sass to Bay Area Fashionistas who enjoy a great pair of boots for Fall. With the vast array of trends for Fall 2010, boots are staying classic and can be worn with many looks from the 1960’s trend to the 1970’s silhouette to Minimalism to the military trend.

Christian Dior is showing fabulous variations of boots for Fall. Dior modified the over-the-knee boot from the 1960’s go-go era and gave it a motorcycle foot and heel with the neutral, go-with-anything color of soft grey. This boot can kick up a mini-dress giving it an edgy, modern look that tones down the Austin Powers costume effect. Valentino is also offering an over-the-knee boot in a soft taupe with a sweet bow on the side that will blend perfectly with the mini-dress trend of the 1960’s. Christian Louboutin and Giuseppe Zanotti are offering fabulous black over-the-knee boots that will add sass to a Minimalism outfit off all black with a red coat.

The Biker Boot is taking on new life this Fall season in tall boot styles and ankle bootie lengths. Prada is offering a tall, black, hardcore biker boot that slightly slouches when being worn. This boot might be the ultimate casual black boot for Fall. It can be paired with Minimalism looks and casual 1970’s outfits. The Prada biker boots can also be worn for any occasion from lunch with the girls to running to the super market. Of course, leave it to Valentino to create the ultimate, feminine version of the biker boot for Fall. Valentino’s creation gives Bay Area Fashionistas an answer to the Fall lace trend in a casual and wearable boot! Of course there is Dior who gives Fashionistas the luxurious crocodile biker boot in a rich brown. Modified versions of the biker boot include heavily buckled boots such as Brian Atwood’s military suede creation.

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The Military Trend is giving Fashionistas plenty of boots to choose from this Fall. Aside from buckled versions such as Christian Louboutin’s black suede buckled boot, there are boots that encompass the military trend and the green trend all in one. Dior is offering an amazing military, ankle boot in army green and brown.

The Leopard Trend also moved into the boot world and designers made sure animal print addicts had plenty of choices this Fall. Gucci is offering a sexy, ankle bootie in leopard print that will spice up an all-black outfit. Fendi created an animalistic and sparkling boot that can be worn with a 1970’s trousers, short black skirt or a Minimalism outfit. Animal print lovers may just fall in love with Dolce & Gabbana’s leopard print bootie since it offers the animal trend as well as the new shoe sole that is very down to Earth.

Whichever boot trend tickles your toes this Fall, there is a wide array to choose from. The most classic choices have the least amount of embellishments and a heel you feel the most comfortable wearing. Leather always lasts longer than suede and quality counts. The buckle boot trend has come in and out the past few years, if this trend catches your eye you may want to shop your closet! You never know what might be in the back  Happy shopping and stay fabulous.

*Photo Credit: Prada Press Media Stock Photo