You can't reinvent the wheel, but you can certainly realign it from time to time. Fashion is no exception. What was old is new again this fall: witness the return of the stirrup. Again. Dating back to 500 B.C. as a humble toe loop beneath a rudimentary saddle, who would have guessed the stirrup would evolve into a fashion must-have with regularity? From tights to leggings designers are "stir" crazy.
Convertible fashions (and here we nod to local fave Lara Miller) had a high profile this spring, so it follows accessories will have their moment. Unlike leggings or tights, these detachable stirrups by Stiruppz connect to the base of cuffed jeans to minimize the annoying tugging, pulling, tucking and shifting that goes into your skinny-jean-tucked-boot look. Use them over and over again on your favorite jeans to perfect that clean, put-together look.
You don't have to square the circle to come off polished. Stiruppz arrive in August. That gives you a solid month to source the perfect skinnies ... and just in time to order with your fab new fall boots.
Since launching a highly successful fall collection in 2009, Kelsi Dagger, the sister line to Pour La Victoire named for a fictional femme fatal, has become a very real killer brand on a global scale: a must-have for the international trend set. The line is the latest from designers David Giordano and Jay Adoni. Energetic, creative, eclectic and passionate about his trade, Giordano cut his teeth at Sam Edelman before launching Pour La Victoire and, now Kelsi. We recently checked in with Lori and David to chat about fall trends and what's next for the stylish designer.
Lori's Shoes: What does a lady's shoe style say about her?
David Giordano: A women’s shoe defines her style. Lori Andre: I think a woman's shoes can say a lot about her personality – conservative, trendy, elegant – but also your own: "I want those shoes!," "Gotta have 'em!"
LS: What inspires your designs for the fresh, young and totally hip?
DG: Creating products that stir woman emotionally, while not hurting them financially.
LA: How designers merchandise their line with clothing and accessories lets me create an idea of what the trend is and how to capture it in our store. I'm a little bit obsessive about making sure we have the right product. From the two-dollar accessory to the $600 shoe that can make or break an outfit.
LS: Originally you designed Kelsi Dagger for the Juniors shoe market. But there seem to be women over 30 who love the brand. Has the age of your target audience changed?
DG: We want to stay in tune with women who have their own personal style, we feel that the price-value relationship appeals to more of a state of mind then a specific demographic.
LA: It's a very young brand and David's good at developing new product. The Kelsi Dagger girl is also the Pour La Victoire customer: likes the fashion, wants to look good in her shoes, but may not be able to spend the money. All their shoes have David's personality in them.
Kelsi Dagger Fall 2010 Preview
LS: Why do you think women love your shoes?
DG: Women feel a sense of empowerment when they are wearing a great pair of shoes.
LA: I think David's shoes are very current. They have a sophisticated, trendy edge to them but they are still really understandable. Sometimes you can look at a shoe and love it, but not want to wear it. With Kelsi Dagger, you know you will love it and get a lot of use out of it.
LS: What trends/styles should we look out for Fall 2010?
DG:French/military inspired boots and booties as well as high platforms and crepe wedges.
LA: Military boots are happening. We're already selling them. The crepe wedge is a hard sell, personally. It's a very European trend ... it will be very interesting to see if it works here
LS: What was your favorite shoe in the Spring/Summer 2010 line?
DG:The style Monaco, because the chiffon ruffles were the perfect update to a successful sandal.
Fortunately, you can shopKelsi Dagger spring/summer right from this post. Stay tuned for fall additions, as well as a coming addiction: Pour la Victorie handbags! We are awaiting final confirmation from the designers on the who, what, when, where of these bags. From what we saw at the FFANY show, we think you will be quite pleased. Take a look for yourself with these exclusive tradeshow photos!
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.
"Waking up this morning - more like afternoon - was a terrible thing, but I forced myself out of bed. I threw on a soft tie-dye shirt dress, straw hat, and to-die-for Jeffrey Campbell wedges! These puppies just arrived this week and I just couldn't wait to strap them onto my feet! I have been anxiously awaiting their arrive for what seemed like years. No worries now because they are safely in my possession."
Kitty is a young, fashionable blogger. She has a degree in business and enjoys the occasional baseball game. She also loves shoes. Loves them a lot. Like "night sweats" a lot. You see, Kitty is a shoe addict. And she has impeccable taste. A deadly combination? Well, certainly an attractive one. Does that make us her dealer? You better believe it.
Kitty's latest designer drug of choice was by Jeffrey Campbell, that cartel of cool. Surveillance photos of Kitty taken recently show her swooning and disoriented, hooked on the Mary Roks we carry. Something about needing a "re-up"? We suggest trying them in nude as well.
And you gotta love it! Even the drug enforcement officers on this stakeout admired the effortless, casual look she paired with her latest addiction. Agents commented on how the subject paired an effortless, flowing top with the structured straw fedora and Marys. And the color coordination ... well, all we can say is don't get the DEA started.
Very funny Lori's Shoes, you cry, but addiction is a serious issue! We couldn't agree more! Is there, you ask, a cure for shoe addiction? Unfortunately, there is not: one must simply buy more shoes. Medical technology may one day develop a cure. Until that horrible moment, sober and wearing Earth Shoes, we will continue to aid and abet the wardrobes of these hopelessly fashionable women.
We were reading up on our Spring 2011 in Women's Wear Daily recently. The sneak peek predicted shoes with "added femininity to chunkier silhouettes using painterly prints and exotic details." (Got that?) Designers gave Footwear News a preview of their illustrations of 21 spring shoe trends for 2011. We call it shoe art at its finest. The emphasis indeed was on architecturally designed high wedges and heels covered in exotic materials with a focus on blending shiny and matte, clear and patterned – opposites to which we are definitely attracted.
For the complete list of illustrations check out FN by WWD
Should we coin a phrase for the trend? "Diva Glam" for the spikes, buckles, ankle ties and rosettes? Or is it simply a Lady Gaga Spring slouching toward us? Either way season is going to be sexy as designers retool their Spring 2010 designs with added "Wow."
We love the chance to see designers' illustrations, to pull the curtain back and see some of the thought process that goes into making a beautiful shoe. We can't wait to see (and wear) the final results!
Congratulations to Jacki L. of Chicago who won our "Sex in the City" photo contest in partnership with WGN! Jacki won a $100 gift certificate to Lori's after WGN's website visitors voted her the "sexiest girlfriend."
Jacki is a recent college graduate from Northeastern Illinois University and lives in the city with her best friend, loving every minute of it. She learned of the contest from her mother and signed up as soon as she saw a chance to win a gift certificate to Lori's. (She loves – we mean loves – shoes.) Jacki's already picked out the perfect wedges for her summer looks. She's pictured above with childhood friends Dena, Donna, Beth, Jenni and Megan.
Check in during July to Lori's and WGN for a chance to win another $100 gift certificate in WGN's "Hottest Girl/Guy in Chicago"!
We like the people over at People. The magazine obviously has taste seeing how they've picked Lori's as one of their "Must-Click Summer Sites" for June/July 2010. People describes us as "Hundreds of choices at great prices! From gladiator sandals to go-anywhere flats to sexy platforms, this easy-to-use resource has it all – with lots of options under $100." Billed as a list of "supercool destinations for cute clothes & accessories," they include a picture of the Steve MaddenSanzo which we just restocked online!
The Sanzo is a bright and colorful thong sandal has patterned fabric straps that meet a long, front T-strap embellished with stones, wood, and beads. Celebrate summer in this fun sandal, paired with leggings or shorts and beaded accessories. And at $90 it is a steal.
First, BB Dakota rocked the city girl's world with the launching of a shoe line. Then über-chic designer Nanette Lepore brings the sunshine in the form of handbags for fall.
Well the fun just keeps on funnin'. Prepare for the best summer news: Lori's gives you (drumroll) womenswear! Dance the jig, sing a song and jump for joy. (Just don't work up a sweat; these tops can be a bit sheer.) Whatever you do, rev it up and shop our 'Online Only' selections of tanks, wraps, sun dresses and blousons from high-quality, trendy-hip designers Glam and Renee C.
Lori's creatives staff invents the red-hot trend of "bag dragging." Oh, and the shirt's for sale too.
The city girl is not complete without her Jeffrey Campbell Snick, denim leggings and basic tank, layered with clunky necklaces and bangles. We're, like, a one-stop shop for the fashionista set now!
We're excited. We can feel the doldrums coming up (reruns on TV, 90-degree days) and we're glad for the distraction. As you wait for night to fall and nothing's on TV and it's too hot to breathe, log on to your laptop, desktop, iPad, iPhone and shop till you drop. (We do!)
If you are still searching for the perfect LBD, stop: we need to do a little work on your alphabet. What you really need is a LWD. The Little White Dress is summer's new trend. (The little black dress is so – yawn – 2009.) The runways were full of LWDs this February. And with Memorial Day, the unspoken nod to wearing white, behind us, you have no excuse. Envelope yourself in this summer's clean and crisp look. (We'll extend the invitation to your creams and ivories of course.) We like the idea of looking edgy in the color of innocence.
InStyle gave avant-garde suggestions for sprucing up your summer look from colorful clutches and metallic bangles to black jackets and super sexy heels. Since we assume you're not sullying your new white look with bare feet, we put together a few shoe recommendations. Below are our must-have summer shoes if you plan to step out in your LWD in style and for less.
Calvin Klein Karissa in black is easily transferable from day to night. From office wear (on a casual-but-not-so-casual Friday) or a business lunch with a fitted black jacket over LWD to chunky necklace and bangles for drinks and celebrations.
Boutique 9 Thomsina in light natural is the perfect mate to a white mini dress. Whether you are blessed with model legs or not, nude heels are a miracle. The nude shoe provides a bit of trompe l'oeil – it fools your gaze (read: men's stares) into the illusion of long, lean legs ... whether or not you got the gams.
Poetic License Dazzling in yellow is a daring pump for the traditional girl who likes all eyes on her shoes. With a bold matching belt, you could work this look into a darling pixie, quirky professional or daring artiste. The bold colors with ribbons and gems will blaze forth with the LWD as a perfect neutral background.
Whatever look you prefer with your LWD, remember proper undergarments are a must. We don't want to have any secrets exposed do we? After all, we want them starring at your accessories, not your ... assets.
With Memorial Day nearly here, so is summer! Beaches and BBQ, pool parties and sunbathing, shopping and more. So what's your summer style? We browsed Polyvore to find some great summer looks. Take a peak...
Beach Chic
A colorful woven tote bag takes your beach look from swimwear to day-wear in style. Take the colorful Magid straw tote below. The perfect handbag for summer: light and fun with natural materials and bright stripes. Use it as a beach bag or shopper. It's roomy enough for towels and flip-flops, yet still cute enough to be seen toted around town.
Summer Party SuperstarHot weather is the perfect excuse for you to show off your assets. A great mini-skirt, some sexy-tall sandals and all the right accessories make you a standout at every summer party.
Cool Watcher You're a party hostess with style and flair. Everyone wants to know what's new with you. So show them...
Entertain your pool-side partiers in this casual OTBT sandal. Comfortable for running from the pool to the kitchen to the bar and back again, you get the flattering height of a wedge with super-cute style. Slip these on, sit back, and watch the fun unfold.
Pop open the Prosecco and bring on the shoes! On May 20th, Lori's Shoes and Hello Stiletto hosted a group of shoenistas for an invitation-only event. It was a celebration of fashion, shoes, and SATC2 with Hello Stiletto - so exclusive! Women, shoes, and sparkling wine - what could possibly go wrong? The weather, of course. But that didn't stop the fun.
The ladies were greeted with Italian hors d'oeuvres, along with succulent strawberries and grapes elegantly cascading down the table.
Our special guest, Fancy Face Cosmetics, provided 'The Sex in the City Look' with flawless, sweat-proof make-up. The perfect make-up for a glamorous vacation in the desert. And when our tears start to flow while watching the Aidan and Carrie reunion, our mascara will remain thanks to Fancy Face.
Our shoes and jewelry were a hit, of course. From pumps and platforms to sandals and booties, the ladies wanted to know what was 'in', and made their selections for the SATC2 movie night with the girls. Yes, we are very smitten with Sex and the City, folks.
Surely we couldn't end the night without giveaways, and the traditional Hello Stiletto runway was a must. Sashay ladies!
We can hardly contain our excitement, waiting for our ladies' night out to see Sex and the City 2. We've been immersed in the lives and stories of the four New York friends for years now, but it's the fashion which has made the characters. Carrie, Charlotte, Miranda, and Samantha have become icons in today's fashion industry (thanks Patricia). So we want to know... While watching an episode of the HBO hit series or checking out the random photos and clips floating around for SATC 2, which character do you secretly dream of being? We know you do it, but your secret is safe with us (*wink*).
So which character are you...
Carrie: From sex kitten to stylishly eccentric, 'no pain, no gain' is your fashion motto. You dream of strutting around in high-brow designer stilettos with bells, ruffles, feathers, and rosettes. You like to mix and match colors, textures, and styles. Always original and definitely daring, you're a true fashionista. These snazzy little pumps would catch your eye for sure.
Charlotte: Simply put, you love Martha Stewart. From prim and proper etiquette to your spotlessly classic home, your goal is perfection. Your sweet, preppy style calls for pastels, ruffles and bows. Matching from head to toe is essential. Your shoe style is classic and always completes your look. Traveling from gallery openings to charity galas are quite regular, so your heels are typically at a modest height. These pretty-in-pink pumps would be perfect for you: sweet and ultra-feminine with a matching bow and trim.
Miranda: A passionate lawyer by day; a busy mom and wife by night. Your look is unique, matching boho-chic styles and accessories with easy classics like wrap dresses and trousers. Your shoe style is surprising at times, as you go from sophisticated office-chic to down-right daring when out with the girls. These sleek black pumps easily take you from the office to the hot new club with no effort at all.
Samantha: You exude sexuality and confidence. Bold colors, tight waistlines, and revealing cuts are your forte. You don't apologize for who you are, and your friends secretly admire your boldness. You are a WOMAN and we hear you loud and clear. Your shoe style is classic but attention-getting, with less shoe than skin. This sexy metallic pump will have all eyes on you with its glamorous gold straps.
So, which character are you secretly obsessing to be? We won't tell ... but your shoes will.
Lori's Shoes is known for its unique styles and trendy, well-known brands. Lori Andre sat with our team to discuss her passion for her customers, and of course, shoes. As for those Italian exclusives, find out why she travels to Milan twice a year to bring back the hottest and latest trends from the other side of the ocean.
If you are in love with Lori's shoes, you will fall in love with Lori. She is candid, personable, fun, and above all, an original Shoenista.
We've been eagerly awaiting this much sought-after clog from Jeffrey Campbell - and it's finally here! We're so excited we just had to blog about it.
This is no ordinary Snick: our shipment has just arrived direct from Spain with the quality materials and construction that stand apart from the Snicks you'll find elsewhere. But you'll be hard-pressed to find a Snick these days, considering they've been flying off the shelves everywhere. We just love the style: hot, sexy and fun, with a surprisingly comfortable fit. (If you're between sizes we recommend that you size up. It's running a little on the small side.) Our Snick has a smooth leather upper with a one-piece wooden platform with natural grain detail. The towering wooden base has a thick wedge heel, adding 4.5" of height with a comfortable pitch. Smooth brass nailheads trim the base, with an open toe and buckled slingback strap. Whether they're paired with jeans, leggings, shorts, or a summer skirt, the Snick will have you walking through summer in style.
Hurry and get your pair now - available in black and tan. They won't last long...
Our buyers are back from Accessories the Show and The Accessories Circuit with a first look at Fall 2010 accessories. And do we have the scoop! Fur is hot this year, along with vintage details (think lace!), leather, structured bags, and tailoring. Fall 2010 is a well-designed mix of sophistication and rock & roll.
Fur: On everything, everywhere - from shoes and handbags to scarves and hats and beyond. Catering to nearly every style: cute and comfy, sophisticated, or boho-chic, this season's fur is wearable for everyone. While we're still waiting for a sure sign of Summer, we can't help but get excited for the cozy fur trinkets coming soon. Whether you like your fur real or faux, there promises to be a selection of both with a near-identical look and feel. This year's fur is knitted, printed, convertible, and embellished for a wide range of fashionable fall/winter looks. Fur is back and she is hot!
Check out the super-adorable hats pictured above - with detachable fur pom-poms!
Clean, tailored lines with sassy detailing add a fashionable vintage flare this Fall. As Grace Kelly meets Angelina Jolie in The Changeling, we leave behind our over-sized hobo bags for classic, structured designs made famous by the likes of Hermes. Watch for sophisticated styling and crocco embossing...
Military-Chic: For the casual girl or the trendsetter, military-chic style continues on from Spring, especially in handbags. Nylon hobo bags with zipper detailing give GI Jane an added fashion-appeal. The camouflage bag pictured below is one of our upcoming favorites.
If you have never owned a fur piece or an original Hermes bag, no worries. Come Fall we'll have a selection of quality faux fur and couture-inspired accessories at great price points. We'll have you ready for Winter in August with some items arriving in July. So stay tuned!
We recently (and somewhat apprehensively) bid Bon Voyage! to our creative director for a trip to Scotland. He recently checked in with a style report from the land of bagpipes and haggis. (No to the first and yes to the latter in terms of appreciation gained.) Herewith, some notes:
While Scotland may conjure up kneejerk visions of kilts and sheep and plaids of every stripe, the true uniform in this bustling town is black hose. But let's define a term for a moment. Leggings brings to my mind something like HUE's denim leggings, opaque, denser, form-fitting; hose being sheer and basically a second skin. There's a lot of hose here. Sometimes with texture, often just plain. Paired to short skirts. The shorter the better is apparently the advice doled out in the boutiques here – your Zaras and H&Ms, Marks & Spencers, Bon Marchés, but truth be told a couple of independents. I was happy to see that. The look is not bad; there is simply so much of it. Perhaps uniform is a misnomer. Mandate may be more appropriate. When everyone's got the same edge, it doesn't cut as sharply. It did make me wonder who's calling the shots on this fashion parade.
As for shoes, they are all over the map with high strains of Uggs and ankle boots – slouch, cowboy, harness. A fair number of mid-rise boots. Tons of flats. Very few heels, much less 4-5-inchers. The girls here wear their boots well and both genders put a lot of care into their looks. They are not afraid to take chances, though not all chances I saw were successful. So be it: tomorrow is another day. The population skews younger, probably because of the five universities within its limits. There's good music, people-watching, beer and vibe here. I like it. Glasgow has good energy, just don't cross against the light: traffic will not stop for you.
It is the gorgeous Quinly again. Yes, we are still smitten and wouldn't post this shoe so much if it wasn't such a fantastic shoe!
This time Quinly was spotted on Catt Sadler, host of E! Daily 10. We love the skinny jean look, switching the obvious style of this exquisite shoe from dressy to casual.
The sparkling stones, beads and sequins are mezmerizing and demand your attention. Total hauteness. And she looks great! We mean Catt of course (smiling with a sly grin). But, you still don't want this shoe...do you?
As if we weren't chic enough, Lori's is going green. Well not totally. We're not, like, churning our own butter or biking to work. But we will profess a love for Mother Earth. To show our appreciation we're buying more eco-chic shoes and accessories for our fashion- and nature-conscious fans around the world.
This spring we are featuring Limon Piel – an über-cool accessory collection of handbags such as the 942 in Ivory, Black or Honey (shown). The exquisite handwork by Colombian Wayuu and Camentsa tribal communities takes fashion to an artistic level. We think these bags will be a new favorite.
As the leaves turn colors and the air freshens up (we cringe to think about it), Lori's will remain green with Naya. This eco-friendly shoe designer bringing us leather and suede pumps, maryjanes, booties, and boots. The look is Gaia Girl meets Mary Poppins with a 21st-century makeover. Naya is designed to renew the body, spirit and earth. Think of it as meditation for the feet. (Get in the mood with the inspirational video below of a girl dressed like one of the Bacchae playing hide-and-seek with a horse.)
And how cool are recycled leather handbags? "Very" is the answer of course. (We knew you'd be a fan.) Re-using old leathers for new designs is De.De's claim to fame. We're happy to claim a whole bunch of De.De available on our site.
Take a look at our eco-chic offerings and look soon: we'd hate for you to turn – wait for it – green with envy when they sell out.
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.
You know what we're wild about right now? Satchels. Over-the-shoulder bags. Rucksacks. Everyday travel bags with straps and straps. Backpacks are everywhere this spring. They go from home to work, school to group meetings and hold your finds on daytrips around Italy. Take your tote, add straps, multiply by cool hardware and that equation will equal a refined utilitarianism that's all the rage today.
Who better to serve up that look than Tano? These guys love their bags. We mean, love their bags. They won't sell them online, citing the sensual experience [sic] of their product. And according to their site, you must "handle the bag, squeeze the leather, run the zippers, fit your ... " Whoa! Is it hot in here? TMI, Tano content writer.
We do agree a Tano bag must be felt to be believed (but do buy online; you can feel it all day when it arrives). You'll see love in the details. Tano bags are leather, leather, leather in bold colors with detailed strapping and considered accents. A Tano bag is sleek, sophisticated and sporty. Like the utility bags that inspired them, these bags are functional and versatile. Like a good fashion bag, they make a statement and actively contribute to your look.
We do love these bags. We understand Tano's passion; we share it. These guys know bags. They know us women love our bags (a bit obsessively at times but let's not judge). And in the satchel, they share their love for function and style at a price that won't break your heart (or bank). Now, where was that cold shower?
Sam Edelman Quinly
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