Sexy End of Summer Sandals (Flats Edition)

I'm back and and rejuvenated.  My passion for shoes has grown even stronger, didn't think that was possible, and I'm excited to have the blog up and running again.

The best way to end the summer is to prep your shoe game for next summer!  Check out these end of summer deals on some funky flats.

P.S. I'm starting to think gladiator sandals are here to stay.  I like very few of them but the ones below pass my cut.

Aspiga Cobra (Gold) - $116 @ Wolf and Badger

Naughty Monkey - Teal - $63.74  @ Heels

Antonia (blue) - $40 $25 @ Snatchshoes

Amalie (Patent leather) by Tory Burch - $142.50 @ Tory Burch

Annapyr A T-Bar Ankle Strap Sandal by K. Jacques - $275 @ Opening Ceremony

Hakuna by Ninewest - $85 $61 @ Zappos

ON HIATUS!

As if it wasn't already obvious...I will be back VERY SOON with new posts.  In the mean time follow me on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook (I'm still active there).

Lucite Shoe Trend...I see thru you!

Sorry for the lack of posts lately dolls I've been in the works of launching my own shoe retail site which I'm ubber excited about! Details coming soon but for know let's discuss this Lucite trend...

Lucite shoes made a come back on the shoe scene well over a year ago forcing women, who like to slack off on their toe game during the winter to spring transition, to bump up their pedi appointments. I for one love the trend especially the Lucite chunky and wedge heels.

I love the illusion of floating or walking on a piece of glass the Lucite heel provides and when coupled with a sleek design a pair of Lucite shoes can give you both a hard and soft appeal. But more importantly, I love that the trend has essentially 'upgraded' what once was an attribute of skanky stripper shoes to acceptable high-end fashion.

So here are my skanky stripper high-end Lucite shoe pics : )

'Olin Platform' by Jeffrey Campbell - $155

'Strappy Blade Wedge Pump' by Casadei for Prabal Gurung - $930

'Scalloped Strapped Wedge' by Lanvin - $1,590

'Lucite Studded Platform Sandal' by Versace - $890

'Roni' by Jeffrey Campbell - $204

'Naked Rockstud' by Valentino - $1,295

'Tara' by Miista - $225

'Zizzle' by Jeffrey Campbell - $254.95

'Dina' by Jeffrey Campbell - $154.95

Givenchy Men's Shoes Pre-Fall 203

Woven leather and studs are the features of choice by the high fashion luxury brand Givenchy for there Men's fall 2013 shoe line.  It takes a special kind of man to pull these off... fellas what do you think?  Go bold or go home!

*Photo source Highsnobiety*

WTF Wednesday!

I don't like to knock any artist for expressing themselves.  However, this is my blog and I get to share my thoughts/opinions on shoes.... so there!

Clearly both sides of these shoes make a mask.  I'm pretty sure the designer, Maris Pill a young designer who focused on leather at the Estonian Academy of Art, had no intention of these shoes actually being worn in society (I hope).  This is one instance where art shouldn't imitate fashion; so admire and appreciate the artistic value but please don't wear anything like this....ever.

- M

Enzo Angiolini Gigio Platform Cork Wedge Sandals

Spring is in the air.... well not really BUT Spring will be here before we realize.  So as I was cruising the net looking for some new sandals for the S/S I happily stumbled upon these neon wedges by Italian designer Enzo Angiolini.  Yep Neon is back this S/S (*sidebar* neon colors always remind me of South Beach and bad tans...hmph).

I know for some of you neon is too bright, too bold, or dare I say "unclassy".  To you I say.... get over yourself and live a little.  Try to introduce it this Spring/Summer in small doses if shoes are too big a step.  Perhaps an accessory or scarf.... go bold or go home!

If you are ready for something more daring than accessories then these wedges by Enzo are a nice next step.

Shoes feature t-strap ankle buckle closure, peep toe, 1.75" cork platform, 6" cork heel, and rubber sole.  Retailed at $130 and available at Lord+Taylor.

Personally, I like to introduce neon in my wardrobe sparingly but for those of you a bit more bold take a look at these sets.

Inauguration Day 2013 - President Obama

I wish I planned ahead more... if I did I would have seriously considered braving the cold and attended the inauguration of President Barack Obama's 2nd term as president.  Alas, all I did was watch the event from the warmth of my bed.

Over 500k people came from across the nation and world to witness this momentous occasion and millions more watch on television like myself (2nd term or not still a big deal).  I was proud today as an American citizen and as an African American woman.  I was proud because I was able to witness not once but twice the dreams and hopes of Martin Luther King come to fruition.  Happy birthday MLK!

However, I don't want to turn this blog post into my political rantings so let's look at the photos:

Setup before the crowd arrived

Love the color coordination of the 1st couple.

Malia and Sasha are so lovely.

So proud!

1st Lady Michelle Obama ... I just love the new bangs!

Eva Longoria

John Mayer and Katy Perry

Sean Carter / Jay-Z and Beyonce

Beyonce's performance was simple and lovely.

Kelly Clarkson and Beyonce

Inaugural Ball

Jennifer Hudson sings Al Greens 'Let's Stay Together' for the first dance

"I've got a date with me here. She inspires me every day. She makes me a better man and a better president." B.O.

Sketch by Jason Wu of Inaugural Gown

Jason Wu dress Jimmy Choo shoes... stunning

Alicia Keys performs at the Inaugural Ball wearing Michael Kors

VP Joe Biden and wife Jill wearing Vera Wang dress

Giuseppe Zanotti Cutout Suede Sandals

There is literally no end to this man's genius.  The ability he has to repeatedly design some of the sexiest heels I've ever seen is astounding.  The attention to detail, sleek cuts, and quality craftsmanship in his shoes is undoubtedly the reason behind the brand's popularity.

Staying true to form these cutout suede sandals from Zanotti are just lovely and definitely on my summer shoe wish list.  Seen below in red (looks like orange to me but site says red) and black.

Shoe features suede upper, cutout details, buckles on straps, 6" heels, and 1.5" platforms.  Retailed at $1,250 and available at Net-A-Porter and on the Giuseppe website.

*Photo source: Neta-A-Porter.com