A Toast to Fall Shoe Trends at Saks Salon Happy Hour…

 

As a fashion blogger, I was treated to a private one-on-one tour with Saks Galleria Shoe Manager, Ted Davis and a little bubbly, as he filled me in on all of the best that Saks will have to offer this Fall, and the selection was divine.  Going into it knowing what the shoe trend call-outs were for the season, I must say they had them all and from most of the best names in the designer business.  I was there to pick my favorites and to share this preview with my readers. However, I must say, narrowing them down was a challenge and the season is just beginning?!

Here are some of my fave picks….

PUMP IT UP…

 

Pumps, always a great investment, have several new twists this season.  Number one and most important is the return of the “single sole pump,” meaning the non-platform, pointed-toe, high-heeled stiletto.  I’m loving the look for newness and already seeing it in  fashion and celeb styling online and in mags. King of this look is Manolo Blahnik (he actually never gave it up), but can also be found from Christian Louboutin, Miu Miu, Gucci and many others.  Second, is the arrival of Color…deep jewel tones from Schiaparelli Hot Pink to Ocean Blue to deep Burgundy, all richest in suede. Lastly, Stilettos still reign, but there is a move toward Mid-heels in a much bigger way than we’ve seen before (sore feet rejoice!).                                                                                                      Criteria, just to be clear:  Stilettos are 4-5”, Mid-heels are 1-½ to 2”.

TIP IT OFF…

 

Newest treatment for classic pumps, ballet flats, boots, etc. is the addition of contrasting cap toes. Love the look in metal, but can also be found in textured fabrics, studded metal, and exotics to name a few.

SLIP ONE ON…

One of my favorite shoe trends that has already been arriving on the scene from just about every vendor from Chanel to Jimmy Choo with my very favorites being the embroidered velvet from Miu Miu…that is the slipper that is becoming known as the Smoking Shoe, not because you are encouraged to do just that, but that they are so reminiscent of the shoe that most men have worn with either their smoking jackets or tuxedos.  They have a nostalgic feel that I’m crazy for. A good look to borrow from the guys!

SPIKE IT…

Probably I’d be more correct in calling this look studded, which has caused Valentino to put its bow shoe aside and do an entire collection of metal studded trim shoes (If Ted had not pointed those out to me, I would have never guessed them to be from V.). Gucci has theirs, but what the celebs have latched on to are the SPIKES from Louboutin that are featured on the right.  They are all over the web now and are available in the highest heel and a very sleek pointed toe flat. Check this look out on the Christian Louboutin table at Saks, they are wildly fun!

BOOTIE-FUL FOOTWEAR….

Booties are here to stay, particularly now as they have become a year-round favorite for most stylish gals. They work with everything in your closet from pants & jeans to dresses to shorts in the summer.

The newest looks that all designers are offering is a taste of  the more rugged, casual treatments….hardware, weathered leather, western/frye influences. This can be a nice alternative with jeans than only wearing your UGGS. However, I still was most attracted to the more refined bootie and tall boots, usually in suede, which, BTW, is no longer a winter-only fabrication.  I like that they have the flexibility to be worn dressed up or down.  Tall Boots should be mentioned….newness here is hardware and novelty treatments.  A fave is the CLB suede, fringe-back tall boot in black or whiskey brown for fun and whimsy.  POINT OF NOTE:  I’ve said it before, a “total boot wardrobe” is one of the best investments you can make for the Fall Season.

GLITZ & GLAM…

No one does Glitz like Jimmy Choo, and the new twist to his look this year is his transition from a dominant glitzy dress sandal to his embrace of the pump trend with great assortments in closed-toe shoes at every heel height (in photo, far left pump is a mid-heel). Also for fun, I liked the ballet flat with the cap toe and his version of sequined Vans slip-ons…if glittering is your thing, and everyone needs some, there is truly a style-for-all at the Jimmy Choo table at Saks.

NAMES, CLASSIC OR NEW…

There were two tables of shoes that were unique for different reasons, and both included many of the trends I’ve mentioned.  One is Chanel, whose shoe collections mirror their apparel in color, style and feel, but are first and foremost classic Chanel with the newest twists.  The other is a shoe vendor that is relatively new to Saks and I am seeing online as well, and that is Nicolas Kirkwood, as unique a collection as Chanel, but in a totally different trend-driven style.  Not many basics here, lots of fun, color and whimsy in the styling.  Kirkwood is more the styling and pricing of Christian Louboutin, but a look all its own.

I must say, I’m a shoe person and have always believed that nothing dates your wardrobe more than out-of-style footwear, so I left there with a list of many must-haves to bring my closet to current.  My biggest quandary is how many single sole pumps must I buy… hands down my favorite new look. Nothing flatters a woman’s leg more than a pointed toe, high-heeled pump. That’s Number One for me, but there will definitely be more purchases to follow this season…I’m excited to shop.  Thank you, Ted Davis and Saks!