Style Tribe: Corri Wears Sam Edelman

"I've been ready to wear this cutout dress for a couple of weeks now- the back is my favorite part! The bag and the shoes just fell into place from there..."

ON CORRI MC FADDEN: DRESS: FAIRGROUND SHOES: SAM EDELMAN C/O LORI'S SHOES NECKLACE: ERIN GORDON HANDBAG: ALEXANDER WANG

Lights, Camera ... Platform? Sam Edelman's Novato on the Red Carpet

Every once in a while a shoe come along with star quality—that je ne sais quoi that makes such a presence without making a scene. Meet her, love her and embrace her: the Novato by Sam Edelman.

Kristin Cavallari of The Hills stepped out at the premier of Burlesque (starring Cher and Christina Aguilera) on November 15th in a stunning emerald, rhinestone-encrusted ruched mini by Zuhair Murad. Playing a supporting role (and supporting some top-model legs) was our star Novato slingback platform in blush patent. We absolutely love this look.

If you are still in doubt as to what to wear to your next holiday party or simply looking for that timeless, classy pump, look no further. Novato gives a star performance at every event.

The Novato is also available black glitter, black suede and army green suede.

 

The Style Journal: Stand out wardrobe pieces

—April Francis of The Haute Closet

When it comes to shopping, it’s always good to know what works for you. And when it comes to accessories it’s always smarter to buy something fun. Here are some of my favorites from Lori’s this season—standout pieces that you’ll be able to pair with the basics in your wardrobe to create many satisfying combinations.

 

This bold, classic textile coat is warm and perfect for throwing over a casual look (sweatpants, leggings or boyfriend jeans) to pull it all together. Working with any complexion and hair color, a classic style like this will never get purged from a Haute Closet. And at $118, you’ll look like a cool million for a hundo and change.

Jesslyn Blake Jesslyn

Complementing basic blacks, rich browns and silver metallics, this clutch gives you the texture you crave and the perfect dose of pretty. Not only can you work this into your winter wardrobe with a party dress or jeans, you can pull it out all spring because of its color palette. At $178 it’s not cheap but the soft leather rosettes will feel and look like total luxury in your hands. A smart staple.

Jeffrey Campbell Pixie-T-Hi

When buying accessories, why go basic? Leave that to what we at The Haute Closet call your foundational wardrobe. I love these boots because they make jeans or leggings a ton more fun and amp up the look of all of your jackets and tops. You’re sure to get as much wear out of these as you would an all-black pair. Have we mentioned they’re black suede wedges? ($166.00)

Chain Cluster Ring - Brass or Silver

A total no-brainer: this ring makes a tough yet tender statement, being big but not too big and on-trend but also all-season. Wearing both metals (brass and silver) with more simple bands in your jewelry case will make a statement of its own for only $16.00 each.

Pour La Victoire Twiggy - Black

This bag caught my eye because it’s got the insouciant attitude of Chanel worn by a hip chick at a rock concert. Worn cross-body or over the shoulder, you can fit your keys, cards and lipstick and keep your hands gloriously free to dance and sing. Love the tassel and strap details; Pour La Victoire is always a good bet if you’re looking for great accessories. One of my favorites at $148.00.

Sam Edelman Faye - Wheat

Even more amazing because they’re already on sale ($94.90), the clog trend hit strong this Spring and continues to get even more haute. Unlike an open-toe bootie, the clog is the perfect shoe for winter weather, raising you up out of the slush with the utilitarian wooden platform and being a little kicky with the lace-up detail. These are sure to lengthen your legs in a most flattering way and go an even longer way in the wardrobe department.

Chinese Laundry Lyndia - Silver

Classic in that Audrey Hepburn way, and a staple in every woman’s closet, I am absolutely besotted by these Chinese Laundry pumps. White in winter?! Yes, when it’s done like this with a little black dress or a super dark rinse denim. Perfect in every way, the silvery-white satin and bow-shaped crystal detail are very girly, but very grown-up. Chinese Laundry is always well-made and never fails to deliver in the essential basics department for $64.00.
 

Merchandise It: Texture Frenzy

The Lori's Insider Report

—Ashley Lacey, Lori's staff and author of Stiletto-Chic

Anyone who knows me knows that I love to "merchandise it up" in the words of my fashion icon, the über-fab Carrie Bradshaw. (I am well aware that she is fictional but to me, she lives.)

I love to create a multi-dimensional look centered around one core item. It is paramount to have a statement piece, whether it be a pair of platforms, a necklace, a bracelet or a bag. Pick an item to be the center of attention and make it the star of the show!

When picking your pieces be sure to incorporate texture. Add items that don't seem to match. This trend is epic right now. Match a dressier item, such a sequin top or a light weight chiffon skirt, with a blazer or edgier boot as seen below on Gwyneth Paltrow. Her amped-up boots are obviously the main attraction! Get her sexy combat boot look with our Vancouver boot by Sam Edelman.

No need to match your belt with your pumps. No need to wear only complementary colors. Take a look at my fave "mix-n-match" runway Fall 2010 looks [courtesy of Harper's Bazaar]. These looks illustrate color remixing, the pairing of items of various textures, layering and the dominance of a muted color palette.

How does one style a "statement piece"?  How much is too much? You decide! Exercise your own judgment. I believe that fashion has no rules. Adorn yourself with fur (faux fur if you prefer), ethnic or Geo prints and texturized tights. Wear what your fashionable heart desires!

Hue tights, Boutique 9 wedge booties, earrings, and Cut N' Paste bag all available at Lori's

The Style Journal: Sam Edelman’s Vancouver Bootie

Making the Military Trend Your Own

—April Francis of The Haute Closet

I am not one to shy away from super high heels. Brian Atwood’s original six-inch Maniacs are one of my basics. Given my penchant for high heels, I get more than my fair share of “How do you wear those?!” I always smile because I adore wearing heels.

I took the Vancouver by Sam Edelman out for a test run to see how they could amp up my wardrobe’s military flair one sunny, 80-degree Sunday. In the first look, I went with a gorgeous pair of Japanese-made L.G.B. camouflage leggings from Ikram. Awesomely, these didn’t break the bank and since I’ve worn them over and over again this season, their cost per wear (CPW) is at about $3 (and we’ve got months to go). Add in this season’s de rigueur super flirty circle skirt (ours by A.L.C.), an army green Alexander Wang tank and a super cozy cape from Hejfina. Covering just about every of-the-moment trend in one outfit without looking like a victim gives you a good look for going to a movie, drinks or dinner with girlfriends.

Quartermastering the Look: Ladies Night Out with Vancouver

Cadet Prep: Date Night with Vancouver

The second look brought out our inner West Point prep. When you’re going military, the easiest way to femme it up is by adding flirty colors. We got ours courtesy of Antipast knee socks from Robin Richman, a silk blouse from L’Agence and a sweet pink Chanel bag. I’m sure you’ve got most of these pieces in your closet so call up your favorite shorts, grab your boyfriend blazer, add some fun hosiery, rock these boots and boom—a fun, multi-textured look for fall. We would definitely wear this look on a date.

For the last wardrobe change I went for a comfy, everyday look. Pairing T by Alexander Wang sweatpants with a military-inspired chevron sweater by Marc by Marc Jacobs, I could work in this look all day and be happy about it. (Did I mention how comfortable these boots are?) And the bag, a little vintage beauty picked up from LuLu’s at the Belle Kay, is a force to be reckoned with. 

Reveille Revelry: Breakfast at Lori's with Vancouver

Verdict: these puppies are gorgeous in their neutral grey-green suede, grabbing tons of looks and compliments. Not to mention they are fantastically comfortable: I wore them for a full day of driving (stick-shift VW), Haute Closet-ing and city walking—all without the slightest bit of discomfort. These shoes rule.

The trick to super high heels is the height of the platform and how strapped in the tops of your feet are. The platform on these puppies is about two inches (making the stiletto that much shorter) with a great-for-winter-slush rubber tread sole. And not only can you tighten the laces for a snug fit, you can slip out quickly with Edelman’s super heavy-duty zipper on the inside of each foot. Translation: feels like heaven, makes you a blissful six inches taller.

The other half of the trick: you have a lot of clothes in your closet. I didn’t buy any of these pieces for the shoot. I just added the shoes and built looks around them with what I already had. When you add any new piece to your wardrobe, it’s worthwhile to play in your closet and try out new combinations.

Lastly, smart shoppers, at $212, these boots are a bargain and just as beautiful as the Chloe, Elizabeth and James and Rag & Bone versions that are out on all the shelves right now, for half the price.

Work the Sam Edelman Vancouver into your own wardrobe so that you are on top of the military trend but interpret that trend according to your own style.

P.S.: Notice that I’m wearing the same belt with each outfit? It’s amazing how a new accessory like these boots can breathe fresh life into things that have been languishing in your closet, unloved, for months. Also, I usually wear an 8.5; I sized down to an 8 in these, and still have plenty of room for cozy winter socks!

Zamara!

With her thigh-high height and unexpected peeptoe, Sam Edelman's Zamara is full of surprising details. For starters, the functional rear zipper runs the full length of the leg from the top to the ground, making it one of the longest zippers we've ever seen on a boot. 

Seamless suede panels attempt to conceal the platform and curved heel, but the sheer thickness of it paired with a shocker-of-a-peeptoe only highlight the remarkable height of both the base and leg shaft. With Fall 2010's over-the-knee trend, taller is always better. And you can't get much higher than Zamara.

Small pewter studs trim the top of the leg, with a peek of metallic lining adding a subtle punch of color for those lucky enough to catch a glimpse. We love Zamara for those unexpected accents. Who would've thought that an open toe on an exceedingly tall suede boot would work? And who needs a full-length zipper that covers even the heel? Some details don't make sense until you see them put together. And we have to admit—those quirky details take this boot beyond ordinary and into the realm of must-have fashion. 


Wear over leggings or skinny jeans with an over-sized sweater or poncho for a casually fashionable fall look. For a night out, wear Zamara over brightly colored tights and pair with a mini-dress for a look that will have all eyes on you.

A Sunny Afternoon with Sam Edelman

Pierce OTK boots

We invited Valerie and Camilla of A Butterfly by Day to pick their fall favorite from our catalog and write about how they would style it. Their choice, the Pierce by Sam Edelman, was a big hit with this mother/daughter blogging team. They share their love of art, fashion and style across a generation, inspiring each other to write about what it means to be stylish.


“It’s a sunny afternoon, perfect for taking a walk down by the bay. The wind blows through my hair as I stroll the path, looking towards the horizon. I feel as if I am exploring a new land; I feel free. In these Sam Eldeman boots, I could walk for miles.” 

 

When we received our Sam Eldeman Pierce boots in the mail we were overjoyed! It was perfectly fitted to the leg and slimming which gave us a chic and lengthened look. The snaps up the side of the boot added military appeal, which we loved. For a little versatility, and to soften the look, we decided to style the boots by pairing them with a flowing chiffon dress belted with a long silk scarf and topped with a fitted army green shirt for a feminine twist on the military vibe. Not leaving anything to waver in detail, we softly braided the hair. Girly baubles were added on the wrist and fingers. We completed the feminine finery with beautiful floral tights. The perfect look for a romantic stroll.

These over-the-knee boots are perfect for long days on your feet or walking in the city, plus they look amazing with all our flirty dresses. We are sure we will get lots of wear out of our new Sam Edelman boots since they are extremely comfortable and very versatile.

Dress: Millau from LF Stores / Jewelry: J Crew / Tights: Anthropologie / Scarf: Vintage
Shoes: Sam Edelman Pierce from Lori's Shoes

—Valerie and Camilla of A Butterfly by Day

Sam Edelman in Marie Claire ... and at Lori's!

The Sam Edelman Effie recently made an appearance in Marie Claire magazine credited to us! We currently have it in black. Take some style tips from MC and pair this easy wedge to broken-in crewneck sweaters and cropped trousers for a vintaged, timeless prep.

Lori's loves Oprah in Sam Edelman

An escape from the ordinary: we are elated to see the Chicago Queen, Oprah, in Sam Edelman Gigi (coral) on the cover of the July 2010 O issue.  Perhaps not quite as exciting as the iPad and $10,000 check she dished out to her employees yesterday in celebration of 10 years in publication, but exciting enough. (Now how do we get on that payroll ... or at least a BFF). 

Oprah's colorful, casual, summer beach style suited her role as whimsical storybook teller in head-to-toe citrine (note the Gigi) as she announced her 26-book summer reading list.  Oprah's casual style was the perfect platform to showcase Gigi's versatility in various looks.

Sam Edelman Gigi is the most affordable and comfortable summer thong all-around this season. At $48 you could probably afford a pair in every color to match your summer outfits: dresses to shorts, jewels and handbags. Or a matching iPad ... ? We can't help you with the gadgets (hint, hint, Oprah), but we got you covered with the rest.


Photos courtesy of Sam Edelman Public Relations

You Don't Want this Shoe.

Only a few times in your life do you meet that special someone – that *gulp* moment. We're glad that Sam Edelman could provide the introductions. Meet Quinly. She first caught our eye at a shoe launch in February. We were smitten. We can't stop talking about her ... and facebooking her and tweeting her and photographing her and tearing out her ads from magazines and taping them to our beshrined walls. Restraining order, you say? Our enthusiasm is uncontainable.

Just look at her in Vogue's April ad campaign. She's our Summer Stunner (a little pet name we coined ... four syllables stumbling down the tongue). She is definitely the shoe you want, the shoe you must have. But hands off! She's ours. Every lady should have a little bedazzle in her shoe collection. Just, you know, find your own. Quinly's ours.

Spotted: Sam Edelman on Ashley Greene

Twilight Zone:  Ashley Greene sports Sam Edelman's Dawson

Well, well, well. Here's Twillight's star Ashley Greene (Alice Cullen) looking oh-so-effortlessly chic on a casual stroll in Sam Edelman's Dawson.  See what we said about the gladiator look? Just pair this strappy version with an easy outfit (and a bottle of Fuji water) to look smashing. Perhaps this Spring/Summer's must-have sandal?

We have Dawson in Mineral Blue. White is coming soon!

Okay, Ms. Ashley we see you. We love the tan and longer coiffure.  A radical change from the "pale face kids" we so loved (and can't wait to see again).  Long live the "Twillight" saga!  Long liv– wha? Sorry. Got carried away.  Where were we ... shoes? Right. The Sam Edelman strappy glad is ... Eclipse-ing other trends – sorry! Just could. not. resist. Long live "Twilight"!

Clash of the Titans?

The trends of Summer '09 are back with a made-to-order twist. Fringes, embellishment, fabric, buckles and booties ...are now conveniently located on your favorite new ancient sandal style. That's right: gladiators are back and stronger than ever.

Glads are a Spring must-have for every shoenista. They are comfortable, versatile and stylish. From sundress to casual suits, from day to night, whatever your style for the moment, the day or the foreseeable future, we've got gladiators to pull off your look.

For Spring/Summer 2010 we're rolling back the clock to, oh, say, 45 BC. Caesar's hanging around the Rubicon, those darned Gauls and Germans are acting up (again) and like usual the Appian Way is just a logjam at rush hour. Italian-made gladiator boots like the Janet and Janet 25025 (below) are perfect for urban trendsetters or the Praetorian Guard.

Not all of us are ready for a scrap; some of us are lovers. Like most art forms Roman, the original is Greek. We're happy Sam Edelman can channel this with the Damian (left) and Hazel. It's Clash of the Titans meets Sex in the City with Sam's jewel-embellished gladiator booties. Expect forward top detail like steel loops, crystal grommets, side buckles and polished stones. Try it by day with a casual suit or by night with skinny jeans and sequin top (of course, always fetching with an easy, everyday chiton).

Some of us are just a tad more patrician. For the Senatorial class, we've got Glammed Glads for shiny, classic, powerful fun. Boutique 9's Promised is an example of a classic thin, super-strapped glad.  Even with zipper hardware and metallic shine, it is a cool Spring sandal, perfect for a trip to the Aegean.  Spark up a basic black dress, but be sure not to overpower the shoe with accessories.  Let the Promised be your statement piece.

We all know if it's not about bread, it's about circuses. So send in the clowns! Colorful, bold and sassy gladiators have fringes and rich hues. This is what makes Industry SLS10-81GB so hot. Need we say more? Yes? OK! This Spring is all about colors: bold, rich and bright. Add a little fringe, some fabric and voilà: a boho-chic piece.  Mix and match with other bold colors for pop or pair with a neutral outfit to make your shoe the star of the show.

Those Romans. Always incorporating from the countries they conquered! Especially those pesky Germanic tribes. Put some rebel in your gladiator look with this recipe: scarlet red lipstick, harem pants, Rachel Roy draped harem tank and Goth Glads. Very Gypsy, very Euro for our risk taker fashionistas. Dolce Vita Neve are studded, zipped and slimming for any foot.

 So: what Style are you?