The air is getting crisper and Fall.Winter 2011 has officially arrived. There are so many great trends this fall but I am going to highlight some of my favourites:
Suedes - For the fall you say? Traditionally people in Canada have a preconceived notion that suedes are hard to keep and typically steer clear. But I am happy to say, you’re not going to be able to avoid it this Fall 2011. Suede is a strong material interest being used in all categories, casual flats, platform heels and boots.What I appreciate most about suede is the texture and the richness of the colors. Protect them well with a leather spray and brush them frequently with a suede brush and you’re good to go in wet weather.
Rag and Bone, red … more …
Who doesn’t love cashmere? Cozy, warm, reminds me of the fall and sitting in front of a fire place. TOMS shoes has stepped it up a notch and collaborated with The Row on a small collection of cashmere and Italian wool slippers selling in three colorways for $140 - $150 each. Yikes, pricey but if you’re a hardcore TOMS fan, I am sure this will tickle your toes.
I’m not quite sure how to wear them, in-door, out-door? You wouldn’t want to get them wet. Best bet is to wear them in-doors while reading magazines on your silk bedspread and perhaps eating caviar.
Check them out here - here!
Sunny Shum, Footwear Buyer, Blogger & Your Industry Insider | Follow me @partly_sunny
It’s that time to expose your toes and there are four key shoe trends you must have for Spring/Summer 2011: Espadrille wedges, barely there goddess sandals, flats with floral details and t-strap platforms.
The wedge sandal is a must have shoes this summer and the espadrille wrap is the freshest way to wear it. Jute wraps and trims are usually more prominent in tropical weather markets however this trend has increasingly become more widely excepted world wide.
Steve Madden $109.95, www.sterlingshoes.com
Nine West $139.95, www.freedmanshoes.com
A ballerina flat is perfect for those cooler summer days and for those days when we are not willing to show off our toes. However, instead of something plain and boring, ditzy floral prints and floral appliqués breath new life to this basic silhouette.
Joy & Peace $49.95, www.sterlingshoes.com
Michael Kors $138.95, www.freedmandshoes.com
When … more …
Preppy style never really dies; I consider it a classic look. The last time I wore penny loafers was in the late 80’s and early 90’s and I was wearing the original Bass Weejuns. It seems like the “preppy” look of penny loafers and driving mocs just made itself an excuse to come back into fashion years later.
Everyone is sporting the cool boarding school look and the penny loafer is poised to be the center of attention. On top of your traditional black and burgundy leather penny’s, it’s taking on new forms and coloration’s for 2011. Here are some top looks to watch for:
I found a pair of Crown Vintage tan penny’s at DSW. I’ve been practically living in them because they are so comfortable since the leather … more …
Young New York designer, Julian Louie got everything right when it came to designing his shoe collection for ALDO Shoes. He was able to capture some mega trends in his small collection. Firstly we all know that the 70’s is a huge decade of influence for Spring 2011 fashions, wedge silhouettes are key and so is the Ikat print!
The ALDO team is helping to raise awareness for rising designers by introducing these types of collaborations, so you’ll be sure to see more of it in the future. Be sure to watch the video clip of the NYC launch with www.ELLE.com magazine. (Click on the image).
Sunny Shum, Footwear Buyer for Sterling Shoes Inc, Blogger & Your Industry Insider | Follow me @partly_sunny
