Prada Camouflage Sequin Evening Loafer

Since sometimes that foreboding dinner party can be like a battlefront, Prada appropriately prepares you for war.  Their Camouflage Evening Sequin Loafer is a chic handling of the masculine print for a more civilized bunch of warmongers.  The upper is fully sequined in a camo motif with a leather lining and will add a bit of dashing familiar cool to any tux or New Year's ensemble.  Made in Italy from a trusted name in Italian luxury and available now at Bergdorf Goodman and their website.

Balenciaga Leather and Suede Trainers

Shake off the stigma!  That's what I and designers have been telling you for a while now.  While there is still an appeal to a well-rounded overall complete look, an ensemble that is cleverly fragmented with different themes in menswear can be equally as satisfying.  Consider these Balenciaga Leather and Suede Trainers as a nice modern update to the nylon and neon-colored trainers all over your local Sporting Goods store.  The look is balanced, sporty and clean which will provide the comfort of a running shoe but the panache of an upscale casual shoe.  Feel free to don these with slim pants, like cords, khakis and wool slacks, as well as jeans, with a sweater or a blazer, with streamlined tailored clothing that have sporty active touches or with updated refreshing street wear.  Available now at Mr. Porter.com.

I thought I'd continue and end the week with another tall boot. What caught my eye about this boot was the heel. This knee-high leather boot is the Rachel Rachel Roy Quanyah Boot; it features a tapered shaft, a double exposed zipper at the back with a decorative zip trim and of course the stunning 4 1/2" chunky wooden heel whose rounded shape will ease the minds of those who are scared by towering heels - it doesn't look so high, does it? With it's sleek sophisticated look, this boot was made for dresses.

What do you think ladies? Do you agree?

Are you looking for a tall boot that combines the structured military silhouette with the newest harness-style design trend detail? Then look no further than the Tsubo Lydda Boots. With its supple leather upper and decorative buckle embellishments, you will command attention with these sexy knee-high boot. Featuring a 4 3/4" with cushioned forefoot 3/4" platform for all day comfort and style, men will certainly stand up and salute when you walk by in these.Unleash and embrace your power ladies.

I'd say these are perfectly appropriate for today's horrible weather and its just super cute. Bring back a little of your childhood with these adorable gotta FLURT Rainy Days Rainboots. Remember your days of splashing in puddles when you don these lace-up rubber boots featuring contrast-color stitching details, soft textile lining and insole for a comfortable fit, cap toe design with bold stripes around outsole for an authentic athletic look, a rubber outsole with added texture for traction and a 3/4" heel. It comes in the above black, red and my favorite color, pink. What's more, it's only $19.99 on 6pm.com.

Saint Alfred for Converse First String Pro-Leather Sneaker

Saint Alfred, one of Chicago's original premier sources linking sneakerheads and designer-geared fashion from around the globe, has done it again.  They've collaborated with Converse to produce a First String release of the brand's famed Pro-Leather model.  Utilizing materials like wool flannel, nylon banding and premium leather, the basketball sneaker that Dr. Jay brought to fame is given a modern and quite handsome update.  Saint Alfred, since being started in 2005 by the geniuses that founded Kicks Hawaii, has remained a pulsing source of streetwear meets sartorial mens fashion evident in the brogue detailing and understated tasteful colorways of the two models offered.   Paying homage to the cold winters of Chicago and the more in-tuned sensibilities of the sneakerheads worldwide, this sneaker is going to be a good one to cop for its classic and versatile high/low appeal.  Available on December 29th as a First String release at Saint Alfred.

Jimmy Choo Sloane Glitter-Finish Leather Slippers

You've decked the halls with bounds of holly.  So don't let it stop there.  As you enjoy your Christmas, Hanukkah or Kwanza, stay aware of New Year's being right around the corner.  Stay festively attired in these Jimmy Choo Sloane Glitter-Finish Leather Slippers when the ball drops.  The full leather upper is sparklingly finished with the toned glitter embellishments making them a fresh and dazzling effect to finish off everything from a trim tuxedo to a dashing printed or blingy dress shirt and vest combo to hyped metallic accessories.  Available now at Mr.Porter.com.

Merry Christmas to you all. In honor of the wonderful holiday, I wanted to showcase a shoe that reminds me of this special holiday. The Aldo Whitley Pump is actually Asian-inspired but you have to admit it's colors and festive look does scream Christmas. This elegant pointy-toe pump, which also comes in black, features a synthetic back with floral design detail, faux suede front, metallic piping and interior and a very comfortable 4" heel making it look like a sensible pump with a touch of whimsy. For those who are intrigued, this pump is currently on sale for $38.49 at www.aldoshoes.com.

What do you think ladies?

Here's part 2 two of my gift guide. In part 1, I mentioned how one of my favorite gifts to receive are shoes - I doubt anyone would disagree with me - so I bring you more shoes I hope somehow (hint, hint) makes it to my shoe closet (size 9 1/2). There's still some time to get these great gifts in your loved one's hands.

Coye Nokes - stunning shoes made for today's chic, modern woman. With stylish pumps, sandals, boots and flats that are anything but boring, you won't be disappointed with this exceptional shoe collection


Corso Como Shoes - offering beautifully crafted shoes with fresh style innovations, impeccable detail, and a level of luxurious comfort is unparalleled.


GUESS - a symbol of a young, sexy and adventurous fashion lifestyle, GUESS has been the go to for fashionistas everywhere (over 80 countries have this global brand available) with no signs of stopping.


To those of you who get new shoes this Christmas, congratulations and I'm very jealous.

Happy Christmas Eve everyone! Hope everyone is having a great time enjoying a little family love. Here's a little shoe love for today. Color-blocking has been a huge hit season to season and continues to be a hit. While I've seen lots of bold and vibrant color-blocked shoes that I've easily fell in love with, I haven't seen too many darker or muted color-blocked shoes that I loved......until now. The Dollhouse Fly Ankle Boot features faux suede colorblock panel details at the vamp with faux patent leather trim (it also comes in two other colors), a wrapped 5" stiletto heel and 1 1/4" platform and it's only $35.99 on http://www.shopwss.com/dollhouse-fly-color-block-bootie.

Happy Shopping!!

One of my favorite gifts to receive is shoes. It's very rare that someone messes up when they're gifting shoes, while they may get the size wrong, in my opinion (and from my personal experience), shoes are at the top of the perfect holiday gift. As long as you factor in the recipient's personality and style, it's a winner. So who gets what shoe style? Check out below for a few must-see footwear brands that will keep the shoe lover in your life very happy.

GREY CITY SHOES - combining current trend silhouettes with timeless classics to create the perfect shoe, everyone from the girl next door to the downtown to the VIP will love this collection.




CHROMATICgallerie - this unique shoe line lets you be the hands on designer of your perfect dream shoes. With CHROMATICgallerie, you choose from three heel heights - (2"-4"), multiple widths to match your feet, a rainbow of custom-created hues



Vans Rainfall - Wellington-style rain boots that brings you the look of Vans' famous Slip-Ons but in lots of fun stylish colors and prints


Leather Hiker Authentic Hi - Leather high sneakers are sure to be cozy.



ShoeMint - real leather and suede moto boots, tall boots and booties $79.98 - $119.97



Reef Shoes - Featuring woven textiles by Guatemalan artisans as apart of reef's We Heart Guatemala initiative. Look for reef's signature quilted (comfy!!) foam bed in inside their Bella Costa flats! Average $55.00



J SHOES - a unique brand with a distinct point of view that blends modern design with traditional craftsmanship and independent style



dav Rainboots - crafted with ultra-plush fleece linings, padded insoles and contour fit technology, dӓv footwear is weatherproof and fashion-forward.

You can't help but be captivated by provocative footwear. Whether it's something completely insane or a shoe that's a bit tamer but still riveting. That's my reaction to these Cesare Paciotti Open Toe Boots - I'm riveted - no pun intended. The luxe Black suede boots features silver-tone stud detailing, an almost invisible peep-toe, adjustable vamp and shaft straps (which give it a bit of a bondage look) and a non-intimidating 4 1/4" stiletto heel with 3/4" platform. I'm not surprised at the beauty of this shoe, it's beauty (and the fact that it's Cesare Paciotti) is why I'm highlighting it but then again, what can you expect from this innovative Italian designer.

Giuseppe Zanotti Zipped Leather High Top Sneakers

Designer sneakers have seen a huge leap over the last few years.  Every designer has them as more and more men from everyday Joes to spotlighted celebrities are biting the vanity bullet by making buying designer sneakers tantamount to women copping designer handbags to go with every day of the week or every different gossip magazine cover.  Guiseppe Zanotti is getting in on a piece of that action with their Zipped Leather High Top.  A combination of warm and sumptuously colored skins accented by sturdy brilliant zips & waxed laces, padded insides and a metallic bronze covered mid-ankle velcro strap, these shoes sit prettily, and quite sexily I must say, atop a durable black rubber sole.  Not a bad offering at all from the Italian footwear powerhouse.  Available now at LuisAviaroma.com.

I think the perfect chocolate brown boot is an essential part of your fall/winter wardrobe and the MLE (Mia Limited Edition) Veda Wedge Bootie might just be THE perfect boot for the season. MLE is the more upscale companion to the MIA shoe brand and its a fantastic label for who do not want to sacrifice comfort, style, and quality. This particular must-have features a distressed leather upper, dual buckle closures, a wrapped 5 3/4" wedge heel with 1 3/4" platform, which can easily make it your everyday footwear for the colder seasons.

Mark McNairy New Amsterdam O Ring Chukka by Eastland

2012 has been a great year for the Mark McNairy New Amsterdam Label.  I can't get into all the great collabos from Gap to KithNYC but just know that this label is on a roll.  This collaboration with Eastland on this O Ring Chukka continues the roll.  Strong durable leather, classic handmade elements, fresh chukka silhouette, the solidified Vibram™ sole and basic O ring closure make this a simple shoe with strong fashioning.  Made in Maine and available now at MarkMcNairyNewAmsterdam.com.

I couldn't resist writing about these - I LOVE a fun, quirky shoe and these definitely fit the bill and of course they're quite cool. Though we are far from Shark Week and it features the dangerous animal, the Taylor Says Sharkie Pump's upper is made of soft grey leather. It features shark fin details at the side, a shark face with jaws of "steel" at the toe, and a towering 5 1/2" heel with 1 1/2" hidden platform. Navigate through the dangerous waters that is life in this no-nonsense pump. You don't have to be a lawyer or fierce executive to rock these bad boys. I know I'd definitely wear them, would you?

I know you guys recognize the name of this footwear label because I've featured several of their styles on Shoeography (and drooled over all of them), well here's another. No one wants coal for Christmas but if said coal looked like this black beauty, I'd want several pairs (the extras would be backups of course). This fabulous boot is from British footwear company, Kandee's innovative and creative fall/winter collection, which focused on high quality bespoke customized leathers. The Kandee Shoes Thriller Boots are made from luxe calf leather adorned with black studs and features a 6.1" stiletto heel with a 2" platform; the perfect amount of edgy coolness and toughness to turn heads and keep you the center of attention......to anyone reading who feels generous, I'm a size 40 (hint, hint).

Bottega Veneta Intrecciato Leather Footwear

A cue was take from your girl's or your bestie's handbag fellas.  Bottega Veneta's Intrecciato leather is the most exquisite skin sliced and woven to perfection in the finest Italian way.  Soft, pliable and utterly comfortable, highlighted here are two Bottega Veneta's Intrecciato offerings for men in a car shoe and a slipper.  The car shoe, done in a light blue textured leather, and the slipper in a sumptuous espresso brown, are masculine, suave and elegant pampering for the feet a luxurious investments from a staple name in Milanese fashion craftsmanship.  The car shoe is available now at MatchesFashion.com and the slipper at Mr.Porter.com.