When one thinks of strappy shoes, women's boots don't normally come to mind. Who says sandals have to be the only strappy shoes in your wardrobe? As you can see in the above Yoki Campbell Strappy Wedge Ankle Bootie, thin strips of crisscrossing vegan leather in duo shades are featured on the closed-toe silhouette. This 5" with a 1 1/2" wrapped platform wedge bootie makes a great fall boot as well as a easy transitional shoe whether its from summer to fall or winter to spring.

Do you need this wedge bootie in your life? You can get a pair for only $37.00 at lulus.com, yes $37.00 - get them quickly.

DSquared2 Black Leather Star Studded Jets Sneaker

Not all the stars are in the sky.  Most certainly not judging by the Black Leather Star Studded Jets Sneaker for DSquared2.  The premium leather shoe is in a classic slim high top shape complete with inner side zip and completely star-studded out all over the shoe with the exception of the toe cap.  It stays away from gaudy by having simple clean design, color and stud placement that also makes it a great shoe to dress up and down and become all starry-eyed over.  Available now at Ssense.com.



Yuketen Maine Guide 5-Eye DB Boot Quatro

Over the camo print?  Then just take the camo colors!  Yuketen has the right idea for the guy who loves those rustic combinations of olive, tan and brown but without all the military inspired swirl.  Their patented Maine Guide Boot in Quatro is a sweet new rendition of their classic boot done up in four colored suedes and still complete with the hand-stitching, Vibram sole and comfort that Yuketen is known for.  Available now at EndClothing.co.uk and happily take 20% off for non-EU customers.




Sorry Elvis but your blue suede shoes have nothing on these dynamic, hot red suede boots. Ladies, the above towering Dolce Vita Jyll Platform Boot features a very modern black cutout heel with wrap-around straps - what more can you ask for in a woman's boot? With it's standout 5 3/4" heel and 1 1/4" platform, these badass boots easily make a ultra chic addition to your wardrobe. Effortlessly and visually stunning, no surprise this is a Dolce Vita boot as they are known for their stylish, modern and refreshing silhouettes.

Rick Owens High Top Laceless Sneaker

At first glance Rick Owens' shoes are a tad on the bizarre side.  However, Mr. Owens' shoes only embody his design aesthetic that is centered on proportions, clever cuts and pushing boundaries.  His new High Top Laceless Sneaker is a tall order of a sneaker that kind of merges high top sneaker and boot.  It may seem a bit much but if you rely on extreme proportions that compliment the shoe, not only will your look become forward but also cleverly badass.  Slim pants with voluminous tops of varying lengths or slim bottoms and tops with elongated elements, like tunic length hems or extra long sleeves, serve to complement these interesting kicks.  Constructed of sublime leather and a durable rubber sole, these brow-raising sneakers are available now at Barneys.com.

Who says a pair of basic black boots have to be basic. That's the beauty of women's shoes, we get to be a bit more adventurous, a bit more daring. While we all should have a basic women's boot in our closet, it doesn't mean it has to be boring. With a touch of extra-long, swingy fringe, the classic silhouette of the N.Y.L.A. Gravano Black Leather Fringe Bootie gets a cooler look. Have fun with every step you take with this 4 1/2" chunky wooden heel and cascading fringe. A great bootie for those looking for a boot with a bit of edge without being too overpowering.



 PUMA by Alexander McQueen Street Climb Mid Sneaker in Red

Solid designer = Solid ideas = Solid shoe.  This Street Climb Mid is one of the next additions to the perfect PUMA and Alexander McQueen collaboration.  It's a solid sneaker in the most delicious of deep red leathers with navy blue leather ankle padding.  The suede tongue, pieced & topstitched side panels and intricate dual rubber molding on the sole showcases that 'McQueen-esque' attention to detail that always stands apart.  Available now in red and in black at Kith, NYC and through their on-line store.


There's nothing like velvet to bring in the new fall season and while most think of black or red when thinking of velvet, I'm thinking of a color that's a bit less common. Say hello to sultry allure of dark teal-green velvet! The Qupid Luke 02 Velvet Architectural Cutout Platform Wedge is a modishly sculpted, split upper, with a peep toe vamp and a cupped heel. The architecturally-inclined platform features a cool wedge cutout and 5 1/2" wedge with 1/2" wooden platform, making it a very modern take on the Mary-Jane silhouette. I know I stated that I love bold colors for Fall but I'd gladly rock this muted beauty any day.


Dr. Martens Applique Dayton Studded Monk Shoe in Black

The monk strap shoe has come a long way.  Not that you'd ever see a 15th century Alpine Monk wearing these but the way designers play with the traditional keeps this age old shoe fresh and alive.  Dr. Martens Applique Dayton Studded Monk Shoe is a cheeky updated version of the monk strap complete with Goodyear welting on the sole, durable leather construction and black studs covering the front.  Simple enough yet edgy enough while made well enough to last through all your life's punky stages.  Available now at Oki-ni.com.


I love wearing bold color during the cool Autumn months, why should leaves be the only ones that have fun with color during the season. The multicolored Mona Mia Lori Peekaboo Peep Toe Wedge features a burst of bright color with a knit, zig-zag pattern and gold sparkles in between stripes, cutouts between toe strap and vamp, a piece-y design with thick bold red stitching. The 5" with 1" platform wedge, who's print reminds me of a Tibetan design, also features vegan leather so there's no guilt in wearing this wedge. So when you're getting your wardrobe together this fall, why not stay away from the muted colors and go bold.

My fellow shoe lovers, it is almost time. The expansion and fifth anniversary of the shoe mecca is just about here and with it comes some amazing shoe events and a chance to win your favorite shoes. The official launch event starts tomorrow, August 25th at 10am and goes on until 5pm. Want to partake? Of course you do. Just call (212) 940-2401 for information. Other shoetastic events include meeting Designer, Pierre Hardy on September 5th, Alexandre Birman on September 8th, Tabitha Simmons on September 11th, etc.

Want to expand your shoe collection? Grab your phone and Instagram pics of your favorite shoes using the hashtag #10022shoe. Saks will be selecting their favorite entries via Instagram and choosing one lucky winner a day from August 25 - September 25 to win a $500 gift card to Shop! Winners will be announced every day at 12pm
Christian Louboutin will hold FNO events in three cities - their two locations in New York (Horatio Street & the newly opened Washington Street Men’s Boutique), Los Angeles and Dallas, as well as the recently re-launched e-commerce boutique. Tarot Card readers will be on hand offering private readings, while guests nosh on delicious hors d'oeuvres and sip yummy cocktails and dance to the tunes of Rajni Jacques in New York, Daisy O’Dell in LA and DJ Redeye in Dallas.

During the festivities, the windows of the Christian Louboutin jewel box boutiques will be transformed into x-ray light boxes, giving the viewers a rare glimpse through the exterior to discover what lies beneath. Louboutin’s famous "red bottoms" and beautiful handbags will be seen in a brand new light and transparency. Louboutin will also reveal three exclusive, limited edition styles - a beautiful platform for the ladies, an elegant slipper for the gentlemen and an iPad case, all three tied together by an exquisite dragon embroidery




Ronnie Fieg X Sebago Tomahawks in Red and Tan

For the moccasin wearers and those that wish to be moccasin wearers Ronnie Fieg and Sebago have continued their kismet collaborating with a couple of new color-ways for the Tomahawk.  As always you get a well-made super-supple full leather shoe with the option to remove the fringe.  What's cool is that the red pair comes with red and navy fringe and laces, both pairs as always have a Boat Sole with slip resistant non-marking rubber and both are made of handmade saddle leather.  However, perhaps the coolest thing is that they both drop TODAY at Kith NYC and KithNYC.com so you can probably get a pair before they completely sell out (which should be soon).



What do you get when you combine the casual comfort and style of a desert boot and an oxford? You get the above Kelsi Dagger Helix Lace-Up Wedge Bootie. Featuring a rounded toe, laced-up front, and notched collar that swoops down the shaft with mini serrated edges, the country-esque 3 3/4" hidden wedge with 1/2" platform makes navigating this urban jungle a breeze. The non-skid, gum sole on this fall essential as tough as this city.


 Harris Leather Derby Lace-Up Shoe

There's something advantageous to figuring out your own way to handle this season's trends.  The woodsy, camouflage and tailored vibe for Fall remixes itself perfectly in this sweet oxford by Harris.  This olive and brown lace-up is a handsome shoe for Fall that gives you the colors of camouflage blocked out in premium leather and finished in classic mens cobbler fashion.  Available now at LuisAviaroma.com.


It's almost time to say goodbye to open-toe sandals and welcome in some fabulous fall footwear like this Fahrenheit Bar 05 Black Studded T-Strap Platform Heels. There are so many amazing things about this showstopping shoe - first of all, it's vegan leather, so if you're an animal lover, there's no feeling guilty about stepping out in these; it has an edgy silhouette (aren't you guys in love with the new banana heel shape?) and gold studs that cover everything but its vamp. These 5 1/2" with 1 1/4" platform heels also feature an ankle strap that looks like a low-slung belt which hugs the heel and guess what, they're only $49.00 on lulus.com. (*takes out credit card, clicks size 9......)


DSquared2 Burgandy Leather WingTip Brogue

White wine with dinner means the host is supposed to be serving fish.  A delicious burgandy with dinner in this instance means that the guest has arrived impeccably attired.  DSquared2's Leather WingTip Brogue for Fall is a gorgeous well-executed shoe in a updated classic menswear color with a twist.  Updated with a twist?  Classic in the craftsmanship but slightly updated in the ombre burnished detailing.  It's a great shoe to update your shoe closet outside of all the sea of browns and blacks without being too heavily color driven.  Available now at Ssense.com.


If you dare to be different and step away from the "norm", then the above wedge boot will definitely have you standing out from the crowd. The adidas Y-3 by Yohji Yamamoto Y-3 Nomad Wedge is for those who don't want to blend in, for those who want to be daring and who challenge the status quo. I mean who wants to look like everyone else? Highlight what makes you different with a bod shoe that's very different. Featuring a leather and suede upper, cutout wedge design, wrapped overlay and ridged rubber sole, this 5" with 1/2" platform wedge is anything but typical.

Dries Van Noten Track Shoe

Leave it to a master of prints and print-mashing to offer up a cool track shoe for the Fall (not the you'd actually run track in them, though some may).  Dries Van Noten's Track Shoe is a celebration of print and textures in that Van Noten fashion by combining skins like suede and lambskin with rubberized and perforated textiles.  The shoe comes in aqua and orange, has two sets of laces and a full leather insole.  A bit extravagant for a track shoe?  Hardly, it is high fashion after all.  Available now at TresBienShop.com and if you know anything about Tres Bien my fellow countrymen, its 20% off for non-EU customers.

I hope you guys are still enjoying the ride with me as I try to discover new brands, innovative footwear silhouettes and designs and conversation-worthy shoes. What do you think of the above Bootie? I'd say the Poetic Licence Starlit Skies Booties fits the bill as unconventional, interesting and beautiful. Featuring black suede with a sheer overlay, a chic bow at the ankle, a side zip closure, and a stately 4 1/2" with 1 1/2" platform heel, we are left with a darling shoe that has a vintage feel. I can see this paired with a chic pencil skirt or tailored shorts. Oh the joy of unique shoes.



Maison Martin Margiela 22 Colour Drops Mid Top Sneaker

Whether stumbled up by accident or by intentional trial, the clique at Margiela will always look to cause eyebrows to furrow or raise.  Their Line 22 Colour Drops Mid Top Sneaker is an intentionally coolly executed shoe made to look like an unintentional mistake.  This leather upper and gum-sole silhouette has become a staple of the Margiela brand but so has cheeky details like "seemingly" ruining the shoe with Jackson Pollock-like multicolor paint splatters.  So when bombarded with the question "Did the shoe come like that?", you can happily say yes, it's Margiela.  Available now at Oki-Ni.com.