UNION X Mark McNairy Saddle Waxed Country Brogue

Not that you'd wear them in the country or even want to walk on damp ground with them on, but Mark McNairy makes one hell of a shoe to stomp around in.  What's good about his latest collaboration with the Los Angeles store Union is that you'd still stay nattily attired from the ankle down whether stomping out in the pasture or on the pavement.  The wingtip styling and waxed treatments to the skins are examples of the quality McNairy is known for.  While the playfulness of the shocking blue sole embodies the forward-thinkings of both McNairy and Union's diverse clientele of 'on-the-move' connected sneaker heads and edgy fashion purveyors alike.  Available now at Union Los Angeles and their online store.

One of the hot shoe trends this season is the braiding and not only do these Steve Madden Pressto Flat Sandals highlight this must-have trend in leather, they also feature color (which we know is also hot this season) without breaking your budget. Featuring a thong-style silhouette, you will always be on trend with this braided flat.

I fell in love with the bold color of these Pedro Garcia Jana Flats upon first sight. How brilliant is this cobalt blue (color is labeled as Electric), it brings amazing life to this fashion-forward silhouette (its also available in tan but it just doesn't have the same wow factor). This avant-garde flat features a lightly-padded anatomically molded insole, chunky ankle straps with hook and loop fastening closure and a sleek suede upper.

These flats have made me add Pedro Garcia to my shoe list.

 Gram 383G Shoe in Natural

With so many elements to classic mens shoes, how do you decide which style to adopt sometimes?  It takes a clever designer to make it so that you won't have to decide.  You just have to go with it!  The Gram 383G shoe in natural is a cool combo of a cap-toe, oxford and sneaker all rolled into one interesting shoe.  Durability also finds this shoe with its side stitched rubber cup sole and premium leather uppers.  The deciding has become all that much more easy.  Available now at Kith NYC.

Aren't these flats awesome? No surprise since they are L.A.M.B., so you know a great and standout design is typical. Available in the color of the year (with tan, as well as black/elephant), these L.A.M.B. Myra Flats feature a rounded toe loop, contrasting suede upper and buckle closure. The standout feature of this edgy flat is the elevated footbed at the back - very intriguing, right? Makes you wonder if these should be considered a heel. Either way, it's a fantastic silhouette.

Balenciaga Contrast Panel Trainer

A golf ball, sidewalk cement and hot tar?  The commonalities are not really visible at first, or at all for that matter.  However, in the hands of the house of Balenciaga the three analogously find a home with their contrast panel trainer.  Relying on texture and a clean shape for a cool modern yet visually intriguing sneaker is what keeps Balenciaga footwear walking the line fashion-forward while skimming the surface of classic.  Available now at LN-CC.com.

For my second feature of flats, I wanted to go a bit more edgy, hence the above Dirty Laundry Baili Super Suede Flat Sandals. Available in the above black (and taupe), these fringed ankle cuff and beaded vamp flats are a great way to add a bit of flair. All you flat wearers, what do you think? Is this style a yay or nay? Could you see these added to your summer wardrobe?

Don't worry flat shoe lovers, I haven't forgotten about you guys, I promise to show more cute flats this coming week. I think the above Kate Spade New York Elina Ballet Flats is a great way to start off highlighting more cute flats on Shoeography. Featuring an all-over cork with golden flecks upper, this 1/2" heel features two of this season's hottest trends - a pointed toe and a contrasting toe cap. Stay casual yet elegant when you slip on these cork and coral patent leather slip-ons.

Happy shoe shopping and Happy Memorial Day

Hiroshi Tsubochi Suede Brogue Trainer in Multicolor

Rich in color, rich in thought!  Hiroshi Tsubochi's line of footwear are a showcase of the designer's learned talent and passion for well-crafted shoes.  Literally 'Big In Japan' this footwear phenom has been creating sublime works of art for the feet in Japan since 1977.  It's now Tsubochi's time now to shine stateside.  For instance, his suede brogue trainer in multicolor is a meticulously crafted shoe that doesn't skimp on the comfort through fit or quality in skins and rich color.  Available now at LN-CC.com

What you see above is the perfect blend of sleek and glitz. How stunning is the combination of the faux black suede with the glitter upper of this 5" with 1½" platform G BY GUESS Neola Pump - and isn't the fact that the glitter is trimmed in the faux suede give this beauty an extra bit of sophistication. This shoe screams chic (as well as buy me); its as if a T-strap, bootie and cage shoe meshed as one to equal this perfection.

This elegant style won't break your bank either, its a steal at under $60.00.

Vans by Kenzo Spring/Summer 2012

You'd expect nothing less from a collabo with the cheekily cheerful House of Kenzo.  The brand is in a major relaunch mode with the creators of Opening Ceremony at the helm.  Humberto Leon and Carol Lim have now teamed up with the original skate shoe come lifestyle footwear brand Vans for a Spring/Summer collection of footwear.  Happily adorned with a large fishnet pattern in colors reminiscent of watermelons and seasides, the collection is a welcomed addition to the creative and cool factored clothing that make up the Kenzo aesthetic.  Available now at OpeningCeremony.us.

Do you remember those old movies with doctors bringing out the hypnotizing wheel to put their patients in a trance? Well, here is a pair of heels that will have everyone entranced with your every step. Behold the Sam Edelman Novato Slingbacks, a 5" heel with 1 1/2" platform that will have a dizzying effect on all who zoom in on these shoes.

The Novato Slingback gives a bit of a 1940's vibe with its silhouette and peephole but with a very modern upper. And while this style comes in a variety of colors, the above Blanco is sure to get you the attention you want.

For those of you that are fans of Iron Fist Footwear, I bring you great news. They are having a flash sale TODAY!! Get 30% off EVERYTHING when you use the code FLASH. But you must hurry, this sale lasts only 24hrs. Get your shoe loving butts in gear.

Happy shoe shopping & saving.

Maison Martin Margiela Denim German Splattered Trainer

Well you can just forget painting inside the lines!  Abandon seamless blending!  Of course don;t even consider sketching first.  The beautiful design chaos that is Maison Martin Margiela has done it again with the German trainer in splattered pixilated coolness.  The abstract print on the simple textured denim speaks to the artistry that has always been involved with the house of Margiela.  Please attempt to adjust your perspective!  Available now at AlohaRag.com.

I have to give it to Gwen Stefani, the women knows how to design some great shoes. I've been a fan of her footwear collection from its inception and these L.A.M.B. Inesa Wedges are no exception. These are more on the clean and modern side of her design esthetic but that's what I love about her taste. This 6" wedge with 2 1/4" platform features a buckled ankle strap, leather upper, wrapped wedge and platform and open toe that is sure to have you stomping down the concrete jungle.

Why oh why have I not heard about a L.A.M.B sample sale.

Every season the chain mens stores break out the island prints.  Since all men of a certain age love tropical prints when vacationing right?  Every season you expect the prints but wish it would just be scaled down. Vans Vault has channeled the kick pusher inside their inner Boca Raton retiree.  Their OG Palm Leaf Pack which is slated to drop in June are toned down, clean sneakers for the summer without too much 'by the beach' silliness.  The pack will consist of the Era LX and Sk8 Hi LX models at Vans Vault retailers.

I remember seeing Leann Rimes in these last year and drooling for days, terrified to share on Facebook (I didn't want anyone I knew getting their hands on these first, lol). One year later, I'm still drooling over these babies (Charlize Theron were seen in a tan open-toe version but I like the pump better). There were also available in a cocoa brown but the black just screams "I should be yours".

These 4.72" vegetal calfskin wedge pump features a gold hardware cutout heel, duo-buckled ankle straps and an architectural silhouette. It captures the best traits of the classic pump and modern wedge - oh what I wouldn't do for a Lanvin sample Sale right now.

If you watch RuPaul's Drag race, then you probably are familiar with shoe brand, Iron Fist as RuPaul himself created a capsule collection for them and they're always featured on the show as prizes for the queens. That doesn't mean their fab shoes for only for drag queens - far from it. Just feast your eyes on the above Iron Fist for JustFabulous Filthy Landlubber T-Bar Sandal, a 5 1/2" heel with 1" platform that features a bad ass floral print (can't go wrong with Iron Fist's signature print of flowers and skulls), the popular t-strap silhouette, contrasting neutral back and skull charm on the strap.

To get your hands on these, just sign up for the JustFabulous monthly membership program and enjoy your new purchase(s) - this won't be your last.

 3.1 Phillip Lim Black Guerrero Mesh Boots

What's worse than having sweaty feet in the summertime?  Seeing sweaty feet in the summertime.  Enter 3.1 Phillip Lim's Guerrero Boot.  One part stylish boot and one part strip tease for the feet, this boot toys with the need to cover it up and expose it in one fell swoop.  The mesh and the black leather are perfectly intertwined to leave the foot having a ghostlike appearance while it gets the appropriate AC it needs.  Available now at SSense.com.

I love things that do double duty and that includes convertible and reversible shoes...yes shoes. The above 3 1/2" Modzori Electra Wedge is reversible, at least its upper is - the above metallic gold poly-spandex fabric featured in the above Electra Wedge flips to solid black; giving you the ability to go from day to night. Modzori basically brings out the designer in you.

The collection of Modzori uppers, created by designer, Yelena Shmurak, are interchangeable, reversible, and reconfigurable, allowing you to create several different looks! The uppers are created to complete any ensemble, no matter the color or fabric.Check out some of the amazing possibilities from Modzori.

Ronnie Fieg for Sebago Mohican Red Mocassin

Admittedly I didn't want to become one of those people; the moccasin wearing artistic type.  Well all I needed not to become one of those people was to regard my moccasin choice in a grown & sexy manner. The Mohican, the latest offering of Ronnie Fieg and Sebago, may just afford me to do that.  The deep oxbloody color is what draws me the most.  The color walks the line of outfit 'blend-ability' and matching  as the color can easily stand out or have the camouflaged quality of a rich desert skin.  This shoe will look great paired with your summer nordic-inspired knit shorts & trousers, cuffed sun-bleached khakis or just a wicked tan.  Available now at Ronnie Fieg's site here.

Carol Christian Poell Object dyed one piece folded 'goodyear' Bison Boot

Forward designers who really think don't grow on trees.  There are a handful of designers who would be considered progressive since they don't tap in line with the norm by exploring themes of shape and texture together with natural non-ornate textiles.  Carol Christian Poell is one of those designers who thinks outside the box and her Bison boot is testament to that.  It has a strong buffalo skin that is dyed as a single time (sole and all) then has an inventive fold over silhouette and closure.  It is forward in execution while giving nods to menswear classics like spats.  Available now at DarklandBerlin.com.