SHOE PORN THURSDAY: Marni

Posted on November 3, 2016 by Trends & Tribulations

Swiss-born, Milan-based designer Consuelo Castiglioni, who founded the brand Marni over 20 years ago, stepped down from her position earlier this week to welcome her new replacement, Francesco Risso. While it was rumored that Castiglioni would be stepping down after her runway show this fall, the news has stirred up controversy in the fashion world. Nonetheless, she gave her blessing to Risso, and is confident he will design with her vision in mind.

Marni’s Spring/Summer ’17 show at Milan Fashion Week via Elle.com

In a 2014 interview with The Telegraph, Castiglioni said:

“I design for an independent woman. She dresses for herself, not to please others or to be judged. She wears Marni because she feels good in it, individual… I don’t like clothes that are tight or fitted, clothes that are about… [she spits out the word] SEX. This you will NEVER find in my collections. There is femininity, but it is an elegant femininity.”

Take these one-of-a-kind sculptural pumps by Marni for example. In a world dominated by sex appeal, they are a refreshing reminder that fashion is not about sex. It is about uniquely expressing one’s individuality through the simplistic art form of dressing.

Marni Sculptural Pump, $980, via Moda Operandi

Wear these babies with a flared midi-skirt and a tucked-in blouse for a look that’s both fashionable and feminine.

What do you think of these heels? Would you wear them?

xoxo

SHOE PORN THURSDAY: Chiara Ferragni

Posted on August 11, 2016 by Trends & Tribulations

Chiara Ferragni, the well-known fashion blogger who goes by the name of The Blonde Salad. The street style starlet has collaborated with many well-known designers, including the likes of Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior, Tommy Hilfiger, and J. Brand, before starting her own brand of adorable & funky footwear.

Chiara Ferragni, aka fashion blogger The Blonde Salad via ShotByGio #theblondesaladneverstops

While her collection of flats are absolutely stunning, she has recently come out with more heels in her namesake fashion line (much to my excitement!). These comic-book inspired mules are both fun and fashion-forward. Wear them with a pair of high-waisted, cropped skinny jeans and a white t-shirt or paired with a simple red shift dress to complete the look.

Chiara Ferragni Patent Pow Heel, ~~was $645~~ now $323

What do you think of these mules? How would you style them?

xo

SHOE PORN THURSDAY: Nº21

Posted on July 14, 2016 by Trends & Tribulations

Nº21 was founded in 2010 by Alessandro Dell’Acqua, who also serves as the creative director at the fashion house Rochas. Alessadro uses his eye for modern design to create unique and eye-catching pieces designed for fashionable women. The sandals below are a great example of how the designer stretches the boundaries of modern design to create truly remarkable pieces that are more like a work of art than simply a pair of shoes.

Nº21 Sandals, $824.54

What do you think of these glitter sandals? How would you style them?

Have a beautiful weekend,

xoxo

SHOE PORN THURSDAY: Charlotte Olympia

Posted on May 26, 2016 by Trends & Tribulations

I’m a sucker for anything kitschy, especially when it comes to high heels. These stilettos by Charlotte Olympia are no exception. Featuring a pair of legs for the heel, these shoes are not for the faint of heart. Pair ’em with a simple LBD and some gold jewelry for a night out.

Charlotte Olympia ‘Cheeky’ pumps, $1,608.07

What do you think of these pumps? How would you style them?

xoxo

SHOE PORN THURSDAY: Camilla Elphick

Posted on December 3, 2015 by Trends & Tribulations

camilla elphick x pez

Funky statement heels are one of my favorite things in the whole wide world. These Camilla Elphick PEZ heels are no exception. Camilla, who designs feminine, yet playful shoes, has worked with all of the greats, from Nicholas Kirkwood, Sophia Webster, Donna Karan, Paul Andrew to Charlotte Olympia, although she’s only been around for 2 seasons. The PEZ shoe she designed for her graduate shoe collection prompted her to launch her eponymous label in Spring/Summer 2015.

Camilla Elphick PEZ Pumps, $1231 now $861

What do you think of these PEZ heels? Would you wear them?

xo

Trending Now: 15 Classic Trench Coats That Will Never Go Out Of Style

Posted on November 23, 2015 by Trends & Tribulations

A classic trench is an essential of every wardrobe. There’s really no quintessential equivalent to the camel trench coat. It simply exudes class, sophistication, and elegance, whether worn with a dress, a suit, or simply a pair of jeans.

At this point, you’re probably thinking, “Why, yes, I do need a camel trench coat, and I’m really not certain how I’ve lived my life without one….until now.“

(Congratulations on your newfound realization!)

Now that you’ve taken a few seconds to let it soak in, your mind is probably overloaded with questions. “What details do I want on my trench? Should I choose a belted, a button-up, or both?! Oversized or fitted? Do I splurge on a luxurious high-quality version so that it can last through many more winters to come?“

While all of these questions are perfectly valid and understandable, know that you can simply sit back (let Trends & Tribulations do the heavy lifting here, darling) and relax while you feast your eyes on these shoppable beauties below. All you gotta do is scroll.

(You’re welcome. I love you, too. Don’t get weird.)

( 1 )

Gucci Wool-Blend Trench Coat, $2,919

( 2 )

Proenza Schouler belted trench coat, $1,916.53

( 3 )

Saint Laurent belted trench coat, $5,990.00

( 4 )

Burberry London The Kensington Mid wool and cashmere-blend felt trench coat, $1,595

( 5 )

Jason Wu belted long trench coat, $3,995.00

( 6 )

Akris oversized lapels belted coat, $1,498.09

( 7 )

Carven Belted Double-Breasted Coat, $1,520

( 8 )

Burberry London Checked cashmere-blend cape, $989

(I know, I know, it’s not a trench. But you have to admit, it’s pretty darn cute.)

( 9 )

Rag & Bone Faye Coat, $995

( 10 )

Boss Cepina Wool Cashmere Coat, $625.00

( 11 )

J.Crew Brown Collection Double-faced Italian Wool Sleeveless Coat, $495

(Perhaps a sleeveless version would tickle your fancy…)

( 12 )

Banana Republic Camel Double Breasted Coat, $298

( 13 )

Frame Denim Le Duster suede coat, $1,400

( 14 )

Burberry London fitted trench coat, $4,939.31

( 15 )

Stella McCartney Bryce wool-blend coat, $1,690

Which is your favorite? Do you have a classic camel-colored trench coat, or do you disagree that it is a wardrobe staple? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Love you guys, xo

SHOE PORN THURSDAY: Paul Andrew

Posted on November 5, 2015 by Trends & Tribulations

All of this buzz about Paul Andrew‘s “comfortable” shoes has made me seriously eager to try out his stilettos, while visions of days where I walk miles and miles in heels, not thinking twice, run through my head…Sigh.

Okay, okay, they’re probably not that magical, but I guarantee I’ve worn worse. But, hey, since we’re on the subject, check out these bad boys from the man himself. The classic closed-toe shape of these heels balance out the quirkiness of the decorative design. Inspired by New York City, they are emblemed with key words that come to mind when thinking about city life, such as “Subway“, “Brooklyn“, “Taxi“, “Run“, and, my favorite, “Hustle”.

Paul Andrew, $795

Pair these heels with cropped denim trousers (bonus points if you fray the hems) and a crisp, white blouse for an urban chic look.

How would you style these heels? Have you ever tried out Paul Andrew’s shoes?

xo

SHOE PORN THURSDAY: Hogan

Posted on October 8, 2015 by Trends & Tribulations

Whenever I think the ’90’s trend has had to have played its role in fashion recently, and is on it’s way out, it seems to show up in yet another item, and, alas, we have another grunge-era comeback. Luckily for me, I freaking love the 90’s, so I’m always giddy and nostalgic about such occurrences. The latest comeback happens to be these shiny, patent bubblegum-pink platform leather sneakers from Hogan. They remind me of the phase I went through as a wee young thing where I only wore Volatile platform sneaks & my friends coveted my rad shoe collection. Come to think of it, not much has changed except my shoes got a lot higher and more expensive ~~(so basically, just the Courtney Love treatment)~~. Joking! (but not really)….

Hogan Patent Leather Sneakers, $545

Enter, the Sportivo sneakers from Hogan. Channel your inner Baby Spice and wear ’em with knee-high socks and a mini-dress, or pair ’em with super flared denim jeans for a sporty chic look.

Baby Spice is happy because she has platform sneakers & an egg pod chair. You, too, can be happy. Get your egg chair here, and then buy me one, please.

Baby Spice is happy because she has platform sneakers & an egg pod chair. You, too, can attain such happiness. Get your egg chair here, and then buy me one, please & thank you.

What do you guys think of these Hogan sneakers? What would you style them with?

xo, beauties

SHOE PORN THURSDAY: Leo

Posted on July 23, 2015 by Trends & Tribulations

Guys, I want to introduce you to one of my new favorite designers: Leo.

Meet Leo, Shoe & Handbag Genius.

He’s been on the scene since 2014, when he launched his shoe and handbag line with an experimental, totally unique, and daring style. He developed his craftsmanship in Milan while collaborating with a master shoemaker, and has stayed true to his roots, creating high quality pieces Made in Italy. Beyond that, he’s basically a ghost on the internet, but you can shop his shoes & handbags at FarFetch & Luisaviaroma.

While all of his shoe designs are colorful and whimsical, my top pick is this pair of Circus Leather Pumps. I love the artsy, mixed media -inspired details. Style with a pair of cropped white skinnies, or with a bright purple ensemble for a chic look that is guaranteed to make heads turn.