Fall Preview: Steve Madden

Our fall buy for Steve Madden includes new takes on classic styles, such as the deep green knee-high platform boot with four-inch heel that was described to us as "the new version of Old School Steve Madden." We're also bringing in a number of fold-over booties with a focus on geometric heels, buckles and hardware and supple leathers. Other trends we're seeing are a softer, darker femininity in suede floral motifs and dark ruffles and ruching – subtle touches that read alluring instead of girlie. A patent jazz oxford in taupe rounds out the mix.

We Come from France: Loafers

We've got word from our correspondent in Paris that loafers are everywhere. We were surprised, but not that surprised. After all the look is casual, cute and oh-so-easy to pull off in the summer. What we've got on Paris is that our selection of loafers and driver mocs are on sale for up to 50%.

Here's the dispatch hot off the wire:

Salvatore Ferragamo loafers – very popular. Brown suede even better. I can’t stress enough how popular these loafers are. Everyone has them. Purple suede, brown suede, silver buckle, traditional penny slot. Women in little cocktail dresses and patent leather heels ... I can’t wait to go shopping in Paris!

Or Lori's Shoes, we might gently suggest.

See all our sale shoes


DMN D1023 - Black: 30% off at $89.90


Mia Madrid - Tan: 50% off at $34.00


Mia Madrid - Purple: 50% off at $34.00

Calling All Mavens! Help Lori Buy This Shoe.

The future will be pointy, at least if we have anything to do with it. Pointy pumps, like the J. Renee Masela at left, are a super-trendy, must-have shoe for fall.

For the past season or so we've become increasingly interested in stripped-down, basic pieces that are well-made and elegant in form. This clean, straightforward pump epitomizes that. At three inches the heel is an easy wear. The toe is feminine, sexy and stylish. And the price is right.

We've had daily requests in the stores and online to stock more and more classic pumps. Expect demand to gain steam throughout the summer.

Given how much our customers want the shoe, we thought we'd also let you help buy it. The Masela comes in black patent, black napa leather, dark navy patent, garnet napa, pewter, bronze, bottle green and camel. What color will you be wearing? Take the poll below and Lori will make sure we stock the color that gets the most votes. It's your chance to advise the buying team and help us bring this great trend into the stores for fall!

We're So Excited for Fall

Whoa. We got a peek at Lori's camera back from her fill-in buy in New York and there are definitely several reasons to be excited for fall.

Boots continue to be huge, but the shafts are either cut down and embellished like Frye's (frankly) unbelievable clipped cowboy boot or they are impossibly high like the Jeffrey Campbell perforated thigh-high, high heels. Combat styles are also popping up across the lines.

JC and MXS are also tooling out super Deco-looking, rounded booties that seem inspired by a mix of '60s vintage filtered through a Henry Moore sculpture.

Wedges and, especially, pumps will be gigantic this fall and as we've reported before black will continue to be the new black. Take a look and get excited. Get very excited.

The Fill In

Lori's off to New York to round out our Fall buy as certain trends gain steam. And what are they? A mix of playing it safe while looking good. A sartorial reaction to a falling economy that doesn't depress our vanity. We all may be averse to risk lately, but not the risque.

By far the demand is for pumps. Customers are asking daily for a basic, plain pointy-toed pump with a mid-to-high heel. The look is classic, tailored and conservative without eschewing sexiness. Gone will be the ornamentation of summer as we move back to a low-key elegance. Deep berry tones may rule the handbag world, but black is going to be the new black in footwear.

Pumps and booties are a perfect pairing for that trend that is bucking the conservatism: shorter hemlines. Contrary to that old chestnut about plummeting stocks and hems, we're seeing shorter skirts and shorts. This works back to heels and booties in a cinch. We think it will also be a good season for tights and leggings again.