STAND OUT IN STYLE WITH LEOPARD SHOES

In several of my posts, I’ve discussed my love for shoes, especially those that are both stylish and comfortable. I’ve been a fan of leopard accessories, especially shoes, and I’m glad to see leopard making another comeback this summer. It looks to be a theme in the months ahead. Leopard shoes can really perk up a monotone outfit, especially an all-black outfit. Below are several leopard styles to consider for your shoe line-up.

An elegant slingback that is available in two different heights

Designer Marion Parke is a podiatric surgeon and launched her luxury footwear company in 2016.

The company’s website describes how her podiatry background meshes with her shoe design: “Every style incorporates her unique insole, which is sculpted to follow the natural contour and curvature of the bottom of the foot. With an arch support, added material to support the rearfoot and ankle, as well as medical grade material for cushioning that molds to the foot over time, Marion transforms the insole of a traditional luxury dress shoe into an orthotic.” That sounds caring and comfortable!

The Marion Parke shoe shown, called the Classic Slingback is elegant. It has a pointed toe and an adjustable buckle. It is made of calf hair and nappa leather. Featuring a flattering 2.8-inch stiletto heel, this versatile shoe could become a go-to. Dress them up for a special occasion or elevate your casual outfits for a touch of effortless polish. The price is $550. The link is here: https://tinyurl.com/585nm7uw

The website shows this leopard style with a 2 inch heel that is thicker than the above mentioned pair. The price is slightly higher, $575.

A versatile pump

Aquazzura, known for luxurious footwear and the bow tie at the back collar of its pumps that are available in a range of heights and fabrications has a perfect leopard print pump. This pointed toe shoe has a 2 inch kitten heel. It looks to be the right choice for a long day, allowing for nice walking distances and then feeling fabulous while doing something special at the end of the day! The price is $850. The link is here: https://tinyurl.com/mrrftvt4

A block heel

A block heel with a square toe could be one of the most comfortable types of shoes. Typically, they eliminate toes being squeezed, and the sturdy heel is ideal for walking. Prada’s loafer pump, in calf hair with a 1 ¼ inch heel, is a great combination of support and fun fashion. The price is $1,320. The link is here: https://tinyurl.com/3exkrray

A marvelous mule

Mules are a stellar choice for summer shoes as they are stylish and comfortable in the heat. This Saint Laurent shoe, called the Barbara Mules with a low-cut vamp is made of leopard grosgrain (viscose) With a pointed toe, it has a perfect 2.2 inch kitten heel. The price is $845. The link is here: https://tinyurl.com/nhwjad3d

Do you like incorporating leopard in your wardrobe? If so, when you spot a pair of leopard shoes you like or plan to purchase, please share with me!

Step Up Your Summer Style with Burgundy Shoes

Summer shades traditionally lean towards lighter colors, including pastels, whites, and a range of vibrant hues. Classic summer palettes also include blues and the ever-versatile black.

However, fashion trends are constantly evolving, In recent months there has been a shift towards incorporating typically "fall" colors like greys and deeper reds into spring and summer collections. This trend adds a touch of sophistication and unexpectedness to warm-weather wardrobes. Given the cyclical nature of fashion, it is possible these shades were hot in previous summers, but I do not recall.

In September 2023 when Gucci’s new creative director Sabato De Sarno introduced the Spring / Summer 2024 collection, a new color collection was also introduced. The collection is called Gucci Rosso Ancora Selection.

According to the Gucci website, Gucci Rosso “… is a signature hue inspired by the elevator interior of the Savoy Hotel where Guccio Gucci worked as a porter.” It resembles a burgundy. I’ve seen it referred to as a deep black cherry and it is beautiful! The Gucci Rosso Ancora Selection includes shoes, handbags and accessories. One of my picks of this selection is the Signoria, a 1 3/4 inch kitten heel slingback with a lovely gold chain detail on the back. It is a great everyday shoe and looks like a shoe for wearing all day. The price is $1,150. The link

is here: https://tinyurl.com/huak3skc

Mules are an excellent option for summer wear. Their backless design makes them comfortable in hot weather, allowing feet to breathe, and they are convenient to slip on and off. These patent leather mules named Aurora, part of the Malone Souliers collaboration with Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini, are a stunning summer shoe with a pointed toe. They come in a bordeaux shade, have a 2.7 inch heel, and feature an instep strap for a secure fit. The price is $775. The link is here: https://tinyurl.com/yfhjs82e

If pumps are preferred during the summer and looking for a more affordable option, Reformation’s Skylar pump is a fantastic choice.

The fabrication is a crinkle patent leather and the shade is called rum raisin. Although slightly darker than the other options shown here, it still provides a rejuvenating addition to a summer shoe collection. This pointy toe shoe has about a 3.7 inch heel. Loving the heel! The price is $298. The link is here:

https://tinyurl.com/5n95yd6k

Are you including bordeaux in your summer wardrobe, or are you thinking about it?

IT'S FLAT TIME OF THE YEAR...

I am constantly searching for a fashionable pair of flats, and these are my preferred shoes during the summer, particularly for the increased walking I do in New York City compared to winter.

Ballet flats, a classic have been my choice for years, but I am willing to explore new styles. This season, slingback flats are trending in both stores and online, and I have now embraced this style! Here are a few that have captured my attention.

Square toe shoes have been trending in the past few seasons, but I only bought a pair this season. Even more fashionable are the ones with a slingback design.

This two tone pair, with a great gold embellishment by Balmain looks to be versatile. With a sophisticated patent toe cap, you can wear these with a casual or a dressy outfit. This is the Eden style in two-tone leather The cap is patent leather.

The price is $795 Here is the link: https://tinyurl.com/yhd4upek

Balmain's website shows an all black version that is also available.

Sheerness is a popular fashion trend that you can incorporate into your footwear collection, especially perfect for warm weather! This mesh (polyester upper and leather trim) slingback with a square toe is by Rag & Bone, known for their stylish clothing and shoes. This shoe is named Astra. The price is $328 The link is here: https://tinyurl.com/y3j7sjf2

Having a metallic shoe in your shoe collection is fantastic. This particular pair is made of silver leather and features a two-tone buckle. Mixing various metal colors is an excellent way to add some flair to your outfit. This slingback, in laminated leather is named Voyou and is by Givenchy. The price is $950. The link is here:

https://tinyurl.com/2s3nuvww.

A similar version of this shoe is available, a sling back pointy toe with a three inch heel. The price is $1,095. The link is here:

https://tinyurl.com/3jej7k7u

One final item to mention is a pair of recently purchased slingbacks from my favorite shoe store in New York City, Diane B. Shoes which has two locations - one situated on East 73rd Street and Third Avenue, and the other on East 63rd Street and Lexington Avenue.

The majority of this store's shoes are private label; but I believe a good number are created through collaborations with renowned brands like Roberto Festa. Additionally, the Diane B. Shoes collection includes highly regarded brands such as Pancaldi, Giuseppe Zanotti and Fratelli Rossetti.

Season after season, Craig Blattberg, the owner, consistently presents shoes that are current without being excessively trendy. The issue I have with Diane B. Shoes is that I adore nearly every shoe I try on!

Denim remains a popular fashion trend, and I was delighted to come across these adorned black denim slingbacks. The style, named Cally is also available in navy and in beige. The Diane B. Shoes website does not have these posted to click on. In the website ,these shoes are found by scrolling to page 16 in the pdf and page 28 in the Spring 2024 Catalog . The price is $398. The link is here: https://tinyurl.com/yc4e3nx6 (I'm sure you will find other pairs of shoes you love on your way to seeing Cally!)

There is a wide variety of styles, colors, and price ranges available for flats. Which ones do you prefer?