Paul Smith Chagall Shoe in Purple

What is it about a colored dress shoe, when done right, that says sexy and dapper at the same time.  Could it be the sweet supple skin in a perfect sleek shape that seemingly tailors the foot?  Or could it be the cheeky fun of the unexpected color below a man's knees that suggest he may have a sexier, wilder side under that impeccable tailoring?  Whatever it is, Paul Smith's Chagall shoe in purple cover sexy and dapper with a bit of versatility thrown in.  The craftsmanship of this shoe suggests the qualification for it to be worn to liven up classic tailoring while the color suggests that should the gentleman become less controlled on his days off, his footwear would not be excluded from the fun.  Available now at PaulSmith.co.uk.

Believe it or not, my mom had a pair of shoes exactly like these 70's inspired Jessica Simpson Niki Wooden Wedge that I used to wear all the time except hers were red patent leather (I think I may have mentioned this before). On first sight of these, I was transported back in time to wearing what was my favorite pair of shoes in the world - even though they didn't belong to me. While stilettos are very sexy, there's just something about a chunky heel with a cut-out in the center. This gives these 5.3" wedges with 2" platform a gorgeous effect, and the criss-crossing straps at the toe and buckled ankle strap finish off the look. Want these? You can get them in Coffee (my favorite), Bermuda Pink, and Tan/Black Combo.

 John Varvatos Bowery Spectator Boots

A few years ago when I got my first part of John Varvatos Six-O-Six convertible boots I understood the appeal (then the price).  It's a well made shoe that stands apart from the rest and has just enough umph to remain current and classic all at once.  There was a literal gasp together with that same understanding as with the Six-O-six when I first saw his Bowery Spectator Boot for Spring.  Just pair anything in your closet that's, wrecked, faded, sunbleached or distressed with these boots and it just makes sense style-wise.  Balance your wrecked items with a piece that's a bit more pristine and then with these boots and it just makes even more sense.  See, not only are the boots distressed but they're distressed with a sturdy yet polished appeal like they were once this great upright boot that has now seen its fair share of torture.  So to dress it down or to dress it slightly more up with one item that's a bit more refined is the way to go with a boot that, like the JV Label, screams 'downtown' appeal with 'around-town' pockets.  Available now at SSense.com and at JohnVarvatos.com.

We all know that color in footwear is a must have for this spring but that's not the only hot trend. Graphic prints were also steaming up the runways at the spring 2012 shows and this Charles David Baja Geometric Print Canvas Espadrille Wedge in white/black is dazzling in its ikat-ish print (it also comes in grey/white). The woven rope, 5 1/2" with a 1" self-covered canvas platform features a rubber sole, leather lining/insole and adjustable ankle side buckle. Hypnotize all those around you with every step you take. It has been added to my "gotta have" list of shoes, which has become dangerously long.

Converse by John Varvatos Double Zip in White

One part punk, two parts function, one part classic American, one part designer and all parts bad ass.  John Varvatos continues to add his seasoned flavor to an American classic for Spring 2012 with his Double Zip Chuck Taylor Hi.  He introduced the double zip last season and he's now updated colors and treatments such as the almost pigment painted white outer that's sure to fade nicely over time and the off-white toe cap and outer sole that create a cool neutral story.  Very necessary for those wash n wear, cut off and trim silhouettes all up in menswear right now.  KithNYC has them as well as JohnVarvatos.com.

I have continuously displayed my love of heel height on the footwear featured on this blog, but there are a few low heels and flats that capture my heart and the Frye Emma Woven Ballet Flat is a great example of that. Hand woven by the leather artisans, this adorably enchanting vegetable tan leather Ballet Flat is lightweight, breathable and amazingly comfortable. Featured in nine very rich colors - leaf (green), purple, red, blush, slate (grey), black, dark brown, natural and rose/natural - these flats allow you to look super chic while remaining very comfortable.

Clarks

Clockwise from Left: Weaver Boot in Oakwood, Desert Boot in Oakwood and Wallabee Hi in Sand

You're a simple guy. Perhaps you go with the flow and want a well made shoe for your casual engagements and everyday hustle that doesn't scream the circus is in town. How can you go wrong with Clarks? But which one?? Clarks, the ubiquitous British shoemaker, has made a strong comeback in recent years simply due to the fact that some men just want a well done familiar, an update on the well done familiar and a shoe that they can wear to shreds and still have it look cool. Which guy are you? Perhaps you're one guy one day and another guy another or you're all three. Clarks has got your dress down, summer casual, year round hustle, shoe and no socks, cozy comfy behind covered. For more colors head on over to ClarksUSA.com.

I am in no way a rider, though I think horses are majestic and beautiful but I'm just happy enjoying them from afar. Of course with riding boots like these Ariat Volant Tall, I just might take up the sport. Sleek style and innovative technology are incorporated to bring this premium European calf leather combined with a breathable stretch mesh for an ergonomic, athletic fit. Cobalt Quantum technology provides superior support, control, and stability while Ariat's exclusive Duratread outsole and a reinforced Tec-Tuff heel counter and overlasted construction give added durability.

There is no way you can look at these booties and not instantly fall in love with them, they're practically works of art. These beauties are just one of the amazing results from the very wonderful collaboration of Iris van Herpen (known for pushing the boundaries of Haute Couture) and United Nude. This gorgeous Iris van Herpen X United Nude Crystallization Bootie features smooth round lines and golden leather detailing on the front and back of the shoe, with 3-D traits. Transparency, reflections and movements create the effect of visual estrangement (very tie me up, tie me down, isn't it?). This 5.9" with 2.2" hidden platform is 100% hand-made with the highest grade Italian calf Nappa available and is available in seven colors, (shown above) - black with chain, grey, tan, off-white and (not shown) black, taupe, and bisque. Excuse me as I swoon over these.

Martin Margiela 22 Mocassins

Yes black is safe but no one said it had to be boring.  Margiela shakes up its take on a classic slip on silhouette with this black moccasin for Spring 2012.  Perfectly acceptably without socks and work with slim jacquard knit shorts or with semi-sheer socks and worn with cuffed tonal slim seersucker trousers.  How wonderfully convenient to not have to worry about a shoe change from day to night yet still have the shoe be an interesting and cool versatile option.  Available now at Yoox.com.

Keeping you on trend for spring is the Isola Olencia Patent Jute Wedge. Featuring a t-strap patent leather upper in tangerine/neon pink/cobalt blue (also available in black/metallic gold patent leather), the 4 1/2" heel with 1 1/4" platform jute-wrapped wedge gives you color and a clean chic style. Give a sweetheart dress a bold look, play up your shorts or maxi with a modern burst of color. You just can't go wrong with this wedge.

 Mark McNairy New Amsterdam X Bodega Boston Brogues and Saddle shoe

A bit of pop and a little punch can do the 'sole' a world of good.  Ask Mark McNairy!  He has a patented flair for giving the classic menswear brogue a bit of sartorial humor that is perfectly balanced with exquisite craftsmanship.  Now couple his sense of style with the on-the-pulse of hype and street wear machine Bodega.  This boutique out of Boston has come up with some great collaborations in the past with some of the heaviest footwear hitters like Nike and New Balance.  Now they've stepped it up by collaborating on a collection of two brogues and a saddle shoe with Mr. McNairy.  The Wing Saddle in Digi Desert Camo and the Long Wing Brogues in Woodland Camo and Leopard offer a cool pairing of Bodega's forward vibe while offering the cheeky suaveness from McNairy.  It's not hard to guess but easy to see how these are limited edition (of course).  They're available now at Bodega's site.

Another beauty in the wedge/stacked heel hybrid, these To Be Announced Will Sandals (featured above in Green/white and yellow/white) feature the new heel shape (which you will be seeing more of) with the very sexy flat leather corset lacing detail. The textured scale-like white leather gives these pair of 5" heel with 2" platform loveliness an extra hint of sauciness. I've been drooling over these since I saw them but alas, they're not available yet. They will be soon though, thanks to the folks at www.solestruck.com.

No need to go to the park to gather wood ladies, Jeffrey Campbell offers some great choices in this fascinating print. Introducing (from left to right) - Damsel, Eva-B and Roxie in the wood grain print. The beauty and audacity of Jeffrey Campbell's unique styles in an attention getting and incomparable print - what more can you ask for? The 6 1/2" heel and 2" platform Damsel is available, while the 5 3/4" heel and 1 1/2" platform Roxie (which is my favorite) is sadly currently sold out and the 5" heel and 1" platform Eva-B won't be available in the wood print for a while (its currently available in solid colors). Want to get your hands on a pair of these? Stalk www.solestruck.com.

How fabulous is this open weave boot? I normally go for a higher heel but the uniqueness of this Frye Carmen Boot has completely won me over. Featuring soft vintage leather in a basket weave design that hits just below the knee, a 2 1/2" stacked leather heel, mini studs and a slightly elevated toe, this handmade beauty truly captivates. Available in Grey, Dark Brown and Camel, these will be your new favorites.

White Mountaineering Leather Sneakers in Brown

While flipping through a Japanese mens fashion and lifestyle magazine years ago, I first discovered White Mountaineering.  Strange name for a Japanese label but the clothing and shoes are anything but.  As evident with sneakers, these have the interesting balance of textile and skin in a refined way that suggests a kind of interior design elegance together with a rustic outdoor aesthetic.  These are available now but going fast at TresBienShop.com.

Two words come to mind when I look at the Isola Blanca Sandal - stylish and refined. Mixing the buttery softness of suede and the gleam of patent leather, this 4" heeled cuffed sandal oozes sensual sophistication. Available in the tonal colors - the above cream/cream and black/black, this posh beauty features breathable lining and a dual-density comfort footbed. A perfect fit for today's modern Cinderella.

Yuketen Mismatch Chukka in Multi

Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Fancy, Stumbled Upon, Instagram, up, down, left, right, in, out!  Who can keep track let alone decide what social media outlet to voice their angst or appreciation nowadays.  Perhaps the designers at Yuketen understand the overwhelming conflict over decisions nowadays and figured your shoes shouldn't be involved.  Their Mismatch Chukka for spring is a lot to take in at first but it makes perfect sense for the guy who likes to kill several birds with one stone.  This shoe is in one glance a bit preppy, a tinge of grunge, a slathering of shabby chic and a dash of nautical that's perfectly conceivable with those repurposed khakis hacked into shorts and that chunky sweater and cuffed super-thin waled cords.  Available now at EndClothing.co.uk.

If you want to dive right into both the brights and color block trends, then the Giuseppe Zanotti Patent Leather Colorblock Wedges are a fabulous way to start. Featuring brilliant patent leather colors - yellow, pink, turquoise with black and adjustable ankle strap, this thick 6" wedge-like heel with 2" platform is a showstopper - not only with its color but with it's hybrid heel personality. You get the best of both worlds with this cross between a wedge and stacked heel. I already feel so statuesque just looking at them.

Born Shoes

There's a thin line in between a boot going from timeless to eyesore.  Usually too many bells and whistles propel a shoe into the bargain bin of retail purgatory.  It takes a clever balance with boots, especially a combat style, to get the look right without being too trendy.  Born Shoes got this boot right.  The simple recognizable ode to classic menswear weaves lend and air of masculinity and strength to this boot while staying relevant to the heritage and workwear trend in menswear right now.  The good thing is that this style boot and the usage of the fabric weaves are consistently seen in menswear which make these boots have longevity and highly unlikely to be picked over in the bargain bin.  Arriving soon at BornShoes.com.

Summertime is the perfect time to indulge in a chic canvas shoe and this 6" Heel with 2" platform Multicolored Pierre Hardy Canvas Wedge is the definition of chic. This richly toned, buckled ankle strap beauty is from Pierre Hardy's 2012 resort collection and would make a welcomed staple to your wardrobe. The multiple colors allow for continuous complimentary use with numerous items in any closet - be it a pair of jeans, dresses, shorts, etc.

The French designer is the lead for the Hermés shoe and accessory design team, he's also created jaw dropping designs for Balenciaga with Nicolas Ghesquière and has acquired a cult following with his own label - you can't go wrong with a design resume like his.

Inspired by the unmatched style of legendary fashion innovator and connoisseur of ethnic embellishments, Iris Apfel, Jimmy Choo has created the ultimate homage to the queen of quirky fashion. The bold hand-woven, leather macrame heel, aptly named the IRIS sandal, is embellished with multicolored resin ornaments - an ode to the magpie style and bold layering of tribal and ethnic jewelry by Iris Apfel. The tribal and ethnically decorated Jimmy Choo IRIS Sandal is part of the Jimmy Choo Spring/Summer 2012 collection.


The same multicolored cascade of resin and woven leather also appears in similar splendor on HOLLY a flat sandal (featured above) and XARA, a fringed bag with woven wooden beads, a tassel of resin chip ornaments, and multicolored chain-link strap.

Vintage Shoe Company

So every Sunday at Fairfax and Melrose in West Hollywood there's a flea market in the high school parking lot.  It's mostly vintage and the hunt to find clothing items that aren't picked over to shreds is truly a hunt.  I noticed some vendors had some fairly decent shoe selections that had a cool worn-in and faded look to them.  However, the insides had that same look which led me to wonder what lay beneath where my eyes can't see that may cause repeated trips to the podiatrist.  This is why labels like the Vintage Shoe Company appeal to my inner vintage hunter.  Their treatments give you the broken-in look on a shoe with all the hand-craftsmanship and classic appeal of a company that has been around since 1883.  Starting from that vantage point, these shoes can only get better with time.  See more at VintageShoeCompany.com.

The brights trend is such a spectacular embrace of color and the colorblock brights trend is beyond stunning - a great way for extroverts and even some introverts to show their adventurous fashion sense. With these Qupid Penelope-44X Colorblock Stiletto in Sea Green, you will not only feel stunning - you will stun!

The tri-tone panel designed 5 1/4" pump features the boldest of brights - turquoise, yellow, and tangerine; other colorways - black/magenta/cobalt blue and coral/white/yellow - are available, 2" platform, faux suede for you green fashion lovers, a non-skid sole and cushioned footbed. Oh yeah, they retail for under $30.00

Walk Over Shoes

The foot never changes.  However, what we put around the foot seems to change rapidly.  If feet could talk my guess is they'd express how severely traumatized they were.  More so women's shoes than men's shoes. Men's shoes have evolved but have always seemed to follow a basic template that makes them more susceptible for cobblers and designers to explore a variety of skins, fabrics and embellishments that seem more like plausible updates than re-incenting the wheel.  One such company that has been dressing American men's feet since 1758 has been Walk Over Shoes.  If any shoe company knows about the gravitational pull of men towards a familiar template, it's Walk Over which would explain why their footwear is comfortable, familiar and handsome with just enough noise to not be considered 'bells and whistles'.  For Spring/Summer 2012 Walk Over examines the colorful infusion in mens footwear with vibrant topstitching and bright soles and revamped classics like saddles and bucks for a new generation of footwear aficionados.  For more information, lace up and glide on over to WalkOver.com.

Go right ahead, take a few moments to stare at and fully take in the wondrous beauty of these Limited Edition Kandee Limonade Booties....don't worry, I'll wait. Mesmerized? Enchanted? So am I; so much that I must make a statement that if I ask for a lemonade, I'm not referring to the drink - I want these!!!! I mean what's not to love - 6.1" with a 2" hidden platform, Cream suede leather embellished with strass crystals, a silver glitter outer sole and the knowledge that these will leave many mouths agape.

Unfortunately my fellow shoe addicts, these are currently on pre-order only and you must wait at least three weeks to get them (that is if these limited edition beauties are not sold out by then).

With so many hot trends this season, it's can get a bit difficult to choose which one to go with but thanks to the Zigi Soho Printy Floral Pump, you don't really have to choose. This multiple personality pump features a faux patent leather floral, snake, and leopard prints. I discovered this captivating 6" heel with 2" platform stiletto pump when I walked into the newest DSW on 34th between 7th & 8th Ave. It was love at first site when my eyes met this pump; I was spellbound, so you can guess the outcome.

Size-wise, these do run a bit short and narrow, so for those who are also captivated by these, I advise that you get a half size bigger. Other than that, they are quite comfy even with the height. The price is pretty darn comfortable as well - at $79.95, you should grab them while before they're gone.

Andrea Pompilio Spring/Summer Double Monkstrap Mocassin

So it seems there was this designer that had a bit of cheekiness to his designs. But his execution was always pristine and captured an element of handcrafted luxury. Now as the story goes, it appears not only did he construct his clothing with tongue in cheek charm but also his shoes as well. Again this is the story as it was told to me but it went from epic tale to actual belief after seeing his Spring Summer Double Monkstrap Mocassin. With the hand stitched elements, the sandwiched white sole and the double buckle adornment, this spring 2012 shoe was all I needed to early anchor the wonderful fall 2012 show in my brain as a charming Milanese designer to watch. Available now at TheCorner.com .

Undefeated X Puma Ballistic Nylon Clyde Sneaker

So I had the opportunity to go into the boutique-like store like Undefeated while in LA and I must say that I 'got it' before but I really 'get it' now.  What I got before was the coolness of getting things from boutiques and smaller stores over enormous national chain stores.  What I really get now is the desire to have something more unique and on a much tighter more exclusive level.  In the right hands and on the right feet,  specialty items such as Undefeated collaboration with the infamous Puma Clyde finds a high-low balance that I feel looks great with everything from your summer shrunken lightweight suit to your tee and bermudas for a day stomping around the city.  The texture of the suede and the durability of the ballistic nylon create a cool play coupled with the classic slim shape of the Clyde.  The smallest little detail the the appearance of a cap-toe created from the sided to the nylon give just enough update without re-inventing the wheel. Available soon at Undefeated Stores and at Undefeated.com .

Created for Victoria Beckham's Fall 2012 Collection, these slouchy Christian Loboutin boots actually come in three different colors – brown leather and python (shown above), black leather and python, and dove grey suede and python (photo below). I love the classic look of tonal colors, which allows the combination of the mixed textures and buckle accent to truly stand out. The heel's not so high, probably about a 3 1/2" - 4" heel, which is fairly wide enough to be comfortable while still remaining very sexy.



If you had to choose between the brown and the dove grey, which would you go with?

Supreme X Comme des Garçons SHIRT Vans

I'm about to wrap up spending quite a while in LA and I must say the skate culture is alive and well out here.  Not to say it's not alive in other cities too, but with no snow and the occasional hoodie, you're good to 'kick n push' 365!  One company that always gives you a great hoodie is Supreme.  Their cult following is enviable by many a street wear lifestyle brand and upscale brand alike.  Which would explain an influential brand like Comme des Garçons SHIRT would want to do a collabo with them involving not only clothing and accessories, but the skate shoe of all skate shoes and a paragon of skate lifestyle footwear, Vans.  For Spring 2012 the brands unite to release a Vans high and a low in a cheeky blend of menswear shirting fabrics that evoke a cool 'crisp tailored' gasp, a 'would look good even rumpled' smirk and 'prep gone rogue' rebel yell.  The sneakers will be available mid-June at Supreme locations and online at supremenewyork.com.