Shoe Go Girl!

The trendy Steve Madden Fabulis is a strappy stileto sandal with a distressed gold finish that goes with any sexy summer look. The leather upper features an open toe and thin straps which cross the vamp and fasten with two adjustable buckles on the side. The stacked 3/4 inch platform and 4 1/4 inch heel give this sandal stylish height which will show your legs to their best advantage.

You can always count on Steve Madden to deliver a new twist, and the Steve Madden Fabulis sandal does just that.

The Steve Madden - Fabulis (Gold Distress) is $82 at Zappos

Steve Madden is riding the crest of the wave again in the world of footwear. Steve Madden Ltd. has just reported a 68 percent gain in profits for first quarter 2009, making the Steve Madden brand one of the top-performer shoe retailers. This is all part of the steady rise which began with Steve Madden Ltd. being named “Company of the Year” in 2006 at the Footwear News Achievement Awards.

The Footwear News award came not long after Steve Madden completed a 31 month prison term, having pled guilty to money laundering and securities fraud. Forced by the courts to resign as CEO from the company he had founded and built to a 240 million dollar empire, he was not allowed to serve as an officer of the company until 2008. In his absence, designs for Steve Madden shoes became dressier and more expensive.

Upon his release from prison, Madden returned to shoe design and his innovative, bohemian and sometimes wacky design style returned to the label. Madden didn’t play up his release from prison, and his customers didn’t seem to care about his past transgressions. Madden’s shoes do all the talking, and the customers are buying.

He then started reworking the business model of Steve Madden Ltd. The company’s financial practices are an open book. With license agreements with which run the gamut from the l.e.i. label for Walmart to Elizabeth and James for Bergdorf Goodman, Madden has shoes and accessories at every price range.

If you’re looking for a sporty flip flop, look no farther than the Skechers Cali Cyclers - Established sandal.  Smooth synthetic upper features crisscross straps and a soft toe wrap.  What really sets this sandal apart is the wedge heel.  You can have it all — style, support and fit — in the Skechers Cali Cyclers - Established sandal.

CYCLERS - ESTABLISHED are $39.00 at Skechers

“Pretty in Pink” describes the Betsey Johnson Fran Heel. This minimalist sandal features a shiny pink suede upper with an open toe and large decorative bow. A slim adjustable strap crosses behind the ankle. The sole and 4 inch heel are made from cork and the overall look is flirty and feminine. I think the Betsey Johnson Fran Heel is a perfect spring and summer sandal.

The Betsey Johnson Fran Heel in Pink is $117.29 at Heels

The Jessica Simpson Delanco Sandal is a high-fashion heel with style borrowed from a traditional hurache sandal. The woven leather upper in cognac has an open toe and an ankle strap with an adjustable buckle. The 1/2 inch platform sole features a squared-off toe and wood grain finish which matches the 4 inch heel. This stylish sandal will look great with pants or a dress. The Jessica Simpson Delanco Sandal is a must-have shoe for summer.

The Delanco Sandal in Cognac is available for $89.99 at Heels

If you’re like me and waiting for another season of Project Runway on Bravo, then maybe you’ve been watching Running in Heels, a new fashion reality show on Style Network.  The series, which follows three young interns working at Marie Claire magazine, has been airing for several weeks and finishes up next Sunday.

I was hoping to see more shoes (based on the title of the show) but aside from some feet closeups as the interns run through the streets of New York, the emphasis here is on fashion. Oh, and on some major backstabbing between the interns. The show’s editing has these three young women at each other’s throats, which is understandable since they had to live together and sit at one desk facing each other throughout their internship. Hey, what’s a reality show without some conflict?

Running in Heels provides an interesting behind-the-scenes look at the production of a fashion magazine.  Many of the young stylists are extremely talented and professional, making the contrast with interns even more noticeable. The finale promises to reveal which intern is offered a full-time position at the magazine.  Tune in and find out.

Espadrilles are a type of sandal which originated in the Pyrenees Mountains in Spain. Traditional espadrilles are flat shoes with a canvas upper and a flexible rubber sole covered with jute rope. This rope-covered sole is the most recognizable trait of the espadrille. Classic espadrilles have laces which wrap around the ankle. These laces are another well-known feature of the espadrille sandal. The Only Espadrilles blog is a great place to find out more about traditional espadrilles.

Espadrilles have been produced in the Catalonia region of Spain since the 14th century. In the past few years they’ve become part of the shoe collections of many top designers, including Ralph Lauren, Christian Louboutin and Donna Karan. These modern espadrilles most often have platform soles and the uppers are made from a variety of different materials. The uppers may feature new details such as open toes and ankle straps.

For Spring and Summer 2009, espadrilles will be a hot look in shoes. There are dozens of styles and variations available in a large range of prices. Here are some of my favorites.
 

The Ralph Lauren Women’s Celestine Espadrille is a new twist on classic espadrille style. The wide black straps are elastic, ensuring a comfortable fit. Unlike espadrille with cloth ankle ties, these sandals are easy on and off. The rope-covered 1/2 inch platform is classic espadrille. The 3 3/4 platform heel is pure style.

The Ralph Lauren Women’s Celestine Espadrille is $79 at Endless

The Corso Como Roma Espadrille is one of the more comfortable espadrilles around.  The tan fabric upper has a criss-cross vamp and open toe.  The ankle strap has an adjustable buckle.  Braided rope covers the 4 inch wedge.

You’ll find the Corso Como Roma Espadrille for $99.99 at Heels

 

Hollywould Women’s Clay Espradille is a beachy espadrille mule with a 3 1/2 inch high jute-covered platform wedge.  The inner sole and upper are striped in bright summery colors.  An extra touch of glamour comes from jeweled rhinestones on the canvas upper. 

The Hollywould Women’s Clay Espadrille is $107 at Endless

The Steve Madden Darian Wedge is what you might call a dressy espadrille.  The upper is black patent leather with an open toe and cut out details.  An elasticized slingback provides a snug and comfortable fit.  The 1 inch platform and 4 1/2 wedge are a combination of patent leather and textured weave. This espadrille-inspired wedge will look great with jeans or dresses.

You can get the Steve Madden Darian Wedge at for $98.99 at
Heels

You can step out like a fairy tale princess in the Naughty Monkey Fairy Tale Slingback pump. The natural leather upper with black trim has a uniquely shaped seam which reveals a peep toe. The wide adjustable slingback strap closes with a large ornate gold and black banded buckle. A chunky 4 inch heel gives this shoe real retro style. The lining and sole are gold leather embossed with the Naughty Monkey logo. All you’ll need is a handsome prince to go along with your the Naughty Monkey Fairy Tale Slingback pump.

The Naughty Monkey Fairy Tale Slingback is sold at  Heels.  The price is $89.99.

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The Betsey Johnson Carla Slingback Sandal is the perfect little lightweight summer shoe. I would wear this sandal for a special event, like a prom or wedding, or with a cute summer dress for an evening out with friends. The upper is made from suede straps covered in iridescent dots, with a peep toe and adjustable slingback strap. It’s the details which really make this shoe, including the butterfly print on the lightly padded insole and the rosebud print on the sole. The 3 ½ covered heel completes the look of this feminine sandal.

The Betsey Johnson Carla Slingback Sandal is available in pink or black.  The price is reduced from $179.95 to $80.  You can buy it  at Endless.

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