Poll! Gianna by Boutique 9

Does This Make You Glad or A-Greaved? Boutique 9's Gianna tackles the Roman sandal trend.

One of the trends we're looking at is a continuation of the gladiator look of Spring 2008. Whereas last year's re-introduction of the style stayed true to the classic look of the form – a strappy-strappy thong bound about the foot and up the ankle – this year's models tweak convention to give the sandal a more sleek, contemporary feel.

Boutique 9's Gianna addresses the basics, then abstracts them: buckles along the outsole bind the foot from toes to ankles, giving the sandal a functional vibe. The all-leather construction is perfect for a trip to the Forum. Straps, however, have been filled-in, replaced with a wide top greave. Cutouts here reference straps without actually binding anything. The full heelcup has a zipper, making them easy to get into and out of.

Is it a good look? Take our poll and let us know!

We Heart JC Even More ...

There are many reasons to love Jeffrey Campbell (33 reasons and counting in our catalog), but we've just discovered one more: they love us back! Nothing says "I love you" like a blog post from one of our favorite vendors that's all about us! We excerpt:

"Winter is still alive and well in CHICAGO–but that isn’t stopping LORI from www.lorisshoes.com from busting out the newest and hottest styles of sandals from team JEFFREY CAMPBELL. Check out the TIER, available in a TON of colors—which is available for your viewing pleasure at LORIS. The mod inspired upper is 100% leather and outlined in contrast leather piping–I cannot even begin to tell you how cute this style is on the foot!! I mean…seriously people."

Seriously, indeed. The TIER is a hot skimpy mod number that puts the pizzazz back in an outfit after months-that-seem-like-years of dreary weather. We are especially fond of the fuschia and blue colorways for the bright pop they put on the pavement.

Read the full post at Jeffrey Campbell.

Word from New York

Spring is fast approaching and as Lori reports from New York on late spring and first deliveries for Fall 2009, and as the City gears up for the fall shows, we thought we'd give you a sneak peek at how the year's shaping up!

A smattering of boots continue through spring, but the big emphasis is on sandals with embellishments and lots of straps that are either architectural in detail or comprise many thinner pieces. Both serve the same function: to create an exciting peekaboo effect along the foot in warmer temps.

Fall 2009 will see a continuation of riding boots, so hold on to the ones you have (or snag some now at our ongoing sale). There is also a new pointer shape coming out which we are less excited about (and you probably will be too). We're seeing a slight turn away from the strictly tailored, OCD clean lines of last fall as zippers, roughed-up suedes and Bohemian traits (albeit with a man-tailored edge) crop up.

A stand-out for fall (and, really, when isn't it?) is Frye's boot collection. Consistently in demand since its founding during the Civil War, Frye's collection of boots are classic quality. Past years have delivered these timeless styles in contemporary colors and detailing. We're disappointed only that we have to wait until July to get them!

Flip-Flopping on Sandals? A Lori's Primer.

The time (and weather) is ripe for a review of our favorite fair weather footwear: the humble flip-flop. The pawn on our chessboard of footwear, the flip-flop may seem lowly, but it has the power to make or break your outfit. It's so easy and so comfortable we often forget it is also quite versatile. Herewith, a primer on some of our favorite brands and where to wear them.

YELLOW BOX: The Quirky
The Gist: Yellow Box puts great emphasis on it's straps, be they silver thongs or woven fabric over platform foam. This keeps them fun, engaging and an active part of your outfit, so consider your co-ordination and let them do their job.

Our Pick: The Jewel in green. The foam cushion footbed supports a black upper bedecked with turquoise and aquamarine stones. It's quirky and beguiling.

Wear It To: Saturday's Mermaids on Parade.







FIT FLOPS: The Prep Sport
The Gist: Touted as a revolution in fitness footwear, the Fit Flop stakes its claims on a tripartite sole that works in reaction to your stride to tone muscles from the waist down. They made the cut for Oprah's Favorite Things for Summer and, fitness aside, they are incredibly comfortable. It's our choice for your athletic flip-flop.

Our Pick: The Walkstar II in bronze. A 1-1/2" platform footbed exercises your legs as you walk (in addition to the workout provided by, uh, the walking ... ) and, regardless, are ultra-comfy and have a prep-sport, René Lacoste-era styling.

Wear It To: The Four Seasons in Dallas or tennis in any tony part of town.


FABIO RUSCONI: The Sophisticate
The Gist: Like any good Italian dish, the simplicity of this shoe belies its sophistication. The result is a seemingly unassuming sandal that speaks volumes about your good taste.

Our Pick: The D567 in natural. A 1" cork sole supports a leather footbed and same-color straps with a hidden, patent leather underside. A graceful curve to the strap turns it 180 degrees from footbed to toe. The result is fluid movement in a sophisticated dye. It signals you know it's so easy only someone of discerning tastes would recognize it.

Wear It To: any High Street shopping session or an outdoor sporting event with blueblood pretensions.


JESSICA BENNETT: The Ageless Trend
The Gist: Jessica Bennett shoes have a savvy hook into current trends. The collection consistently weaves in and out of the current style, picking up bits and pieces and transforming them into a shoe that reflects the moment but lives in its own aesthetic.

Our Pick: The Jayleen in bronze. This slim leather flip with micro heel is dominated by a wide bronzed-and-bejeweled medallion at the front foot. It references '80s glam and gladiator trends without being completely either.

Wear It To: a trendy nightspot under dark jeans or a simple and sexy skirt or dress. Don't mix and match too much: these shoes will carry a lot on their own.

Nina News

Nina's no new kid on the block (they've been around since 1953), but their Spring/Summer '08 collection is definitely hangin' tough. The '80s rule in this collection that cites such luminaries as Andy Warhol and Jeff Koons, Jerry Hall and Deborah Harry; and luminous textures as gloss, popping metallics-on-metallics and bright colors. This collection sits where "disco [is turning] into punk": the whirling admixture of glam and bricolage, society and defiance that defined a decade.

The look is certainly taking. Nina is the official shoe for tonight's Miss USA 2008 competition. Look for the Vikki sandal during the swimsuit competition and the Cason during the opening presentation. The line has been touted in Life & Style, "America's Prom Queen" on ABC, People magazine and Brides magazine. AOL's "stylelist" covered our very own Alayna (above, in fuschia).

Our collection of strappy-strap sandals and cute peeptoes are totally eighties and a great way to kick off the summer. Take a look at what's online and enjoy the weekend!

Parma's on! New Shipments in June

Yes! The Calvin Klein Parma is coming back. This immensely popular strappy platform was a huge hit thanks to CK highlighting it in their national ad campaign. But the real success of this shoe? The hidden platform -- the raised upper around the toes that creates a false sense of height -- that lengthens your legs and a padded leather insole. Height without teetering, comfort without effort. This balances the 4-3/4" heel for a chic sandal that gives you knock-their-socks-off legs. Did we mention the Napa leather?
We're expecting our new shipment to drop in early June and we hope to be able to pre-sell them shortly. Supplies will be limited, so please watch our Calvin Klein page for updates.

Hot New Cruisewear

Vacation time! Time to head to your favorite sunny-spot and kick off those boots. Sun block? Check. Pedicure? Check. Sandals? Check!

Get the hottest styles in Spring and Summer 2008's most coveted colors and textures- glossy patents in lovely hues, and shimmery metallics. Lori's favorite brand? Yellow Box. Easy on the wallet, and even easier on the eyes.