Although loafers were based on the  soft-soled slip-on moccasins of the Native Americans, the loafer design that became widely known and used was more of the dressy and formal type. They were mostly worn with suits, among business men and as part of a formal work place dress code, and also, loafers were originally regarded strictly as men’s shoes.

Native American moccasin

I’m sure I don’t have to say that loafers today are no longer reserved just for men. And no longer are they just preppy, prim and polished either. Since oxfords, wingtips and spectator shoes have recently enjoyed another trip around the fashion cycle, it’s expected that loafers will very soon follow.

NOW is that time and of course, celebrities were quick to pick up on this trend. Pixie Lott, Kelly Osbourne and Jessica Szohr have all recently been spotted wearing loafers, each giving their own spin on the classic shoe style:

Pixie Lott very trendy in her black and white loafers, Kelly Osbourne goes Michael Jackson and pairs hers with white socks, and Jessica Szohr opts for casual chic with her tasseled pair

There’s plenty more to love about loafers now than ever before. From studded to suede to leopard printed, here are 8 loafers to love:

From top: Tod’s Heaven Python Loafers, $660.13; Repetto Denim Loafers, $242.26; Miu Miu Leopard Loafers, $717.81; Miu Miu Studded Patent Leather Loafers, $634.49

from top: Bass Brookfield, $69.00; Gucci Patent Script Logo Rubber Lug Loafers, $428.00; Sperry Top-Sider Skiff, $48.00; Minnetonka Suede Studded Moc, $42.00

Pair these with cuffed jeans, short skirts or dresses. Wear them with white socks like Kelly Osbourne did if you dare!

Credit: www.irisa.fr, WENN, PacificCoastNews

Every now and then, Blake Lively surprises me by wearing outstanding fashion pieces that I normally wouldn’t expect her to go for. Most often than not, we usually see the Gosssip Girl beauty in classic and not-so-risky looking accessories. But check out the sandals she wore to Rihanna’s concert last August 13, now that’s a pair worthy of good attention.

Blake Lively, leaving Madison Square Garden after watching Rihanna’s concert, August 13

Here’a s closer look at the sandals:

Beautiful, yes? I definitely think so too.

Come to think of it, her outfit is really more blah than bang but with the sandals,  she looks chic. The sandals are from Chanel’s 2010 Resort Collection, as seen on model Irina Kulikova below.

Irinia Kulikova in the Chanel wedges, from Chanel’s 2010 Resort Collection

For some reason though, I can’t seem to find an online retailer selling it so if you want it, you will have to personally visit the Chanel boutique in your area.

I did try to search for a more cost friendly knock-off version, but my quest was totally futile. However, I found these  Gwyneth twisted strap booties at Zappos in case you’re interested:

Gwyneth Uli Open Toe Booties in Black and Taupe, US$153 (Zappos.com)

]]> http://www.yournextshoes.com/2010/09/hot-blake-livelys-chanel-wedges/feed/ 0 http://www.yournextshoes.com/2010/09/zappos-com-now-carries-aldo-shoes/ http://www.yournextshoes.com/2010/09/zappos-com-now-carries-aldo-shoes/#comments Wed, 01 Sep 2010 00:04:17 +0000 Erika http://www.yournextshoes.com/?p=1759 Zappos.com Now Carries Aldo shoes is a post from: Your Next Shoes

Though the 2010 Emmy Awards have come and gone, the outfits at that event are usually conventional and the shoes are, let’s face it, uninspirational. I had already resigned myself to the fact that there wouldn’t be any celebrity shoe spots again for today when in comes Lindsay Lohan in a pair of cute Topshop loafers:

Lindsay Lohan keeping busy in LA wearing tan platform loafers

I have to admit that I’ve never really been a fan on LiLo’s style but she’s been looking good lately. Better than she has in a while actually. Maybe the overall improvement in LiLo’s appearance is what really drew me to her pictures but those shoes really are something too. Here’s a better look:

These are the Topshop Praline High Loafer Shoes. Though the uppers are loafers, don’t they look more like the wooden platform clogs that are all the rage in fashion now? You can get these shoes for £80.00 at Topshop.com.

Topshop’s website only has them in a size 39 so if they don’t have them in your size, here are 7 more chunky heels that aren’t just your regular loafers:

1. Alexander Wang Bette Up Front Mules, $520.00
2. Guess Behava, $99.95
3. D&G DS0981E1361 Loafer Pumps, $281.00 (was $569.00)
4. Pedro Garcia Sharon Patent Pumps, $367.41
5. Steve Madden Oldiee Loafers, $49.97 (was $90.00)
6. Dr. Martens Romy Tassel Loafers, $120.00
7. Tapeet by Vicini Z95026 Loafers, $224.00 (was $444.00)

Here’s to hoping that Lindsay Lohan makes a comeback!

Credit: FamePictures.com, FlynetOnline.com

Nina Dobrev has an unbelievably small waist. That’s the first thing that crossed my mind when I saw this picture of her attending the 2010 Emmys yesterday.

Nina Dobrev at the 2010 Emmys, August 29, 2010

At first, I thought it was just the angle, but then I saw the same tiny waist in this picture:

Nina Dobrev

She is stunning, don’t you think? It’s the dress. The dress is doing its magic on her. It’s very beautiful. And well, she has the body for it. Now look further down  at the first picture and check out the shoes – lovely gold D’Orsay Sandals.

Nina Dobrev’s gold D’Orsays

D’Orsay sandals are the perfect shoes to wear to  red carpet formal events. It’s dressy enough with its covered heel design, and sexier to wear compared to  peep-toe pumps. Don’t get me wrong, I love peep toe pumps, they’re more classic looking after all. But D’Orsays simply offer a different flavor, which is why every lady should at least have a pair. If you don’t have one yet, I suggest you get one. Start with these choices:

Top: Paris Hilton Senorita in Gold, US$95 (Heels.com); Martinez Valero Ophelia in White, US$175 (Heel.com); Elizabeth and James Ocean in Red, on sale for US$194 (Zappos)

Bottom: Paris Hilton Suarey in Pink, US$89 (Zappos); Badgley Mischka Xango in Black, US$165 (Heels.com)

British fashion designer Vivienne Westwood shares over 200 fabulous shoes from her own archives to the public in an exhibit which charts the evolution of her unconventional, trailblazing style over the last four decades.

Entitled “Vivienne Westwood Shoes: An Exhibition 1973-2010″, the exhibit includes shoes like the cult 1981 Pirate Boots and the insane 10-inch high Mock-Croc Elevated Gillies platform shoes that made Naomi Campbell famously fall flat on her butt in a 1993 Vivienne Westwood fashion show.

This is a can’t-miss exhibit for shoe lovers in London. Teleportation powers would be really useful right about now!

The exhibit is on display at the Selfridges Ultralounge in London from August 26 to September 22. Entrance is absolutely free.

Vivienne Westwood at the press view of “Vivienne Westwood Shoes: An Exhibition 1973-2010″

Mock-Croc Elevated Gillies from 1993

“The Fall” – Naomi Campbell’s famous stumble on the catwalk at a 1993 Vivienne Westwood fashion show

Green Satin Winter Boots from 2010

Super Elevated Lace-Up Ankle Boots from 1993

Linen Pirate Boots from 1998

Swarovski Shoes from 2010

Three-Tongue Trainer from 1983

Anglophilia Sack Boots from 2002

LV Boot from 1995

Rocking Horse Ballerina Shoes from 1986

Super Elevated Cowboy Boots from 1994

As for Vivienne Westwood shoes inspired by previous collections that you can buy now, check out the shoes below:

Apollo Winged Shoe from 1988

Vivienne Westwood Anglomania+ Wing, $145.00

Hammerhead Trainer from 1981

Vivienne Westwood MAN Men’s Hammerhead Trainer, $415.00

Pirate Boot from 1981

Vivienne Westwood Pirate Boot in Lace/Naturale, $345.00

Shop for more shoes from Vivienne Westwood and from her collaboration with Melissa Shoes at Zappos.com.

Credit: Ian Gavan/Getty Images Europe, Niall McInerney

If you’re sick of all the frilly shoes, sky high heels and crazy platforms that have been ruling women’s footwear (and this blog) as of late, then give your style palate and your feet a break with boyfriend shoes.

What are boyfriend shoes you ask? Well, pretty simple: just like the boyfriend shirt and the boyfriend jeans, boyfriend shoes are shoes that look like they belong to your boyfriend. Except unlike boyfriend clothing, I don’t think we women can get away with wearing actual shoes that our boyfriends own this time.

Are you ready to wear loafers, boat shoes, desert boots and other men’s shoes that are not just menswear-inspired but really look like the real thing?

Here are 5 boyfriend shoes tailor-made to fit women’s feet:

Free People Mid Top Siders, $120.00

Jeffrey Campbell Camper Deck Boot, $228.00

Bed Stu Mainland Distress Boat Shoe, $138.00

Free People Desert Boot, $98.00

Jeffrey Campbell Distressed Hiker Boot, $198.00

Not pretty, not frilly, but these actually look really good to wear for fall, don’t they?

If there are guys out there complaining that their girlfriends steal too much of their stuff or their style, then sorry guys but the boyfriend trend is hot, hot, hot! Just stick it out for a while because we women really cannot be wearing 5-inch stiletto heels that you love so much all the time.

All the boyfriend shoes featured here are available at FreePeople.com.

School season is coming up so I thought I might interest our younger audience (the young at heart is welcome to join!) in some great deals from ShoeMetro. When I say great deals, I mean under US$50 great that include fabulous flats and boots you can wear to keep yourself looking stylish while in campus.

Yup, those are the kind of great deals you will find at ShoeMetro. You could say it’s the online hub for shoes on major discount. With so many choices, I actually had a hard time selecting. Here’s what I came up with and let me know what you think:

Fabulous Flats for Fall

An eclectic mix of flats that will keep you cool, comfy, and effortlessly stylish

Left (from top down): Steve Madden Kappy Flats, US$32; Sam Edelmen Candela Flats, US$39; Jessica Simpson Ellye Flats, US$43; Anne Klein Sport Birdie Flats, US$34; Dolce Vita Nova Flats, US$45

Right (from top down): Nine West Misty Flats, US$28; Jessica Simpson Leve Flats, US$34; Enzo Angiolini Bora Bora Flats, US$35; Calvin Klein CK Teana Flats, US$29; Bandolino Theodisia Flats, US$32

Bootie-licious Boots

Reliable yet fashionable boots in classic browns and blacks you should not live without

Left (from top down): Born Genevieve Boots, US$40; Tommy Hilfiger Zaria, US$30; R2 by Report Cheyenne Boots, US$25

Right (from top down): Pelle Moda Reese Boots, US$49.99; Style & Co. Snappy Boots, US$37

Well, there you have it, great deals at just under US$50.  Of course, with such major discounts comes a catch – sizes are broken and stocks are low, so if you find something you like that’s in your size, grab it immediately. If you want more choices, simply visit ShoeMetro.com.

It’s the attack of the green wedges! They were seen descending upon the major cities of Tokyo and New York on the feet of Julia Roberts and Rihanna:

Julia Roberts at the Eat, Pray, Love press conference at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Tokyo, Japan on August 18, 2010

Rihanna out to dinner with her younger brother Rajad in New York City on August 19, 2010

What planet and stars have aligned that caused this sudden influx of emerald-hued wedges on a couple of our Hollywood celebrities?

Julia Roberts by the way, is wearing the Celine Pre-Fall 2010 Suede Wedges:

Rihanna’s is a little trickier to ID, but can anyone lead me to some sources based on these close-up pictures below? :

Now that I’ve looked at them for a bit, Rihanna’s shoes are actually more like pumps with a very wide heel. Does anyone know which designer makes heels like Rihanna’s?

If you think you can’t beat the green wedge invasion, then why not join then? Here are 6 green pumps with wedge heels like Julia Roberts’ and RiRi’s:

1. Jeffrey Campbell Ameake Wedges, $134.95
2. Kate Spade Buffy Wedge Pumps, $225.00
3. Chinese Laundry Incredible Wedges, $34.95 (50% off)
4. Vaneli Hansina Wedge Heels, $47.00 (50% off)
5. Restricted Penny Wedges, $41.29
6. Ben Sherman Wicked Wedges, $89.95 (was $134.95)

Credit: Kiyoshi Ota, INFDaily, Bauer Griffin, Style.com

As I am writing this article, I am also trying to steal quick glances at the TV,  Miss Universe is on you see.  I guess it’s a good thing that I’m watching because it gave me a topic to write on – Nina Footwear.

Nina is officially Miss Universe famous. It’s the official footwear sponsor for this year’s pageant. I was able to catch a look at the sandals they provided to the beauties for their swimsuit showcase and it looked a lot like this pair from Nina called Tuesday, except, the ones they wore had black platforms and heels, a pewter colored upper, and only 2 straps crossing at the front instead of 4.

Nina Tuesday in Gunmetal

Maybe Nina created something exclusive for the pageant or maybe it’s a really fresh one that’s not out yet because I couldn’t find it in the Nina website, nor was I able to find it at Zappos, Shoebuy, or Shoes.com.

By the way, if you are interested in the Nina Tuesday, you can only get that  from the Nina website; it retails for US$100. You can also try these, also from Nina, and guaranteed to make you look like a queen.

From top left (clockwise): Nina Unilora Sandals, US$79; Nina Papina Peep Toes, US$89; Nina Babette Pumps, US$76 (sale!); Nina Ulphia Sandals, US$65 (sale!); Nina Jeva-si Flats, US$37 (sale!)

(from Shoes.com)

By the way, for those who are curious, gorgeous Ms. Mexico won!