Vintage Shoes by Caroline Cox, Harper Collins, $39.95

It’s not hard to appreciate a good pair of shoes…especially if they look every bit as stylish and elegant as they did 75 years ago. Caroline Cox’s book “Vintage Shoes” offers footwear mavens and collectors alike a deep and picturesque insight into the history of timeless shoes. Cox catalogs a wide array of the most popular and collectible shoes cobbled and manufactured in the last 100 years from Edwardian salamander shoes to Gucci gladiator sandals and everything in between.

What I love the most about this anthology is that you get great historical fashion footwear information alongside fun and colorful photos. It’s not just a pretty picture book; it’s a fun and informative guide to collecting and appreciating some of the greatest shoes ever made. Have you inhererited a pair of interesting raffia or cork platforms from your mom? They may be valuable Ferragamo’s…this guide will show you what to look for.

With a foreward by Christian Louboutin, “Vintage Shoes” is hands-down the most complete and compelling collection of shoes and the history of footwear in the last 100 years that I have ever read. Even if it was devoid of text, “Vintage Shoes” would still be a great book, simpy because of the richness and detail you get in the pictures. But I love the fun facts (like how many pairs of espadrille shoes Carmen Miranda had!) and had a hard time keeping it away from my girlfriends at work.

“Vintage Shoes” is the perfect holiday gift for the shoe fanatic who has everything (except that pair of $600 Manolo Blahnik’s she’s been ogling over). Check it out, but be warned; you may find yourself scouring thrift stores in search of a vintage diamond slingback, pump or wedge in the rough.

I know its fall and verging on winter in most parts of the world. But to some of you it is still summer. Or you may want to do that fall/winter vacation to somewhere warm like Spain, Mexico, or the Bahamas. But if you’re a Miami or LA native, you’re going to love this new line of sporty and casual sandals from San Clemente, California - Ocean Minded.
This very clever and innovative brand uses all recycled materials with their shoe products! They use top quality natural and sustainable materials whenever possible. Now being ocean minded their staff and crew strives to protect the Earths most precious resources, the oceans, lakes, and streams. Making the commitment to advertise this philosophy to buyers to help pick up trash when visiting their favorite beach or lake. Of course Gary Ward, the president and founder lives strongly by this policy - and so does his staff.
But sticking to fashion, they have a wonderful array of women’s and men’s sandals to choose from. And at a great price! Ranging from $35 -$55.00 is the average price. And I picked my personal favorites from the collection for both men and women! So log onto Ocean Minded today and get your sandals for that fall vacation!

Women’s Ridge Sandal - $35.00 - My personal favorite!

Men’s Lowers Shoe - $55.00

Source: Ocean Minded

Article by © Jacqueline H. - Senior Writer 2008

Well to jump start this fashion craving we have come up with our top five run down of things we want, wish we had, and crave!

1. A Louis Vuitton Handbag

Now a Louis Vuitton handbag is definitely on every girl’s wish list and handbag cravings. It is and always will be an ongoing trend. So we know that we want one. But some of us have to do with those knock off’s just to submit to the need. But at almost $3,000+ for a handbag…we can keep craving.

2. A Pair of Jimmy Choo Shoes

Grant Silk satin peep toe shoe £525.00 ($1,044.00)

Now when I first heard of Jimmy Choo, I was very confused. I was like who is this guy and why are his shoes so popular - and expensive? Only to discover that the CEO is Tamara Mellon, who approached Mr. Jimmy Choo in London. An exceptional shoe designer. They partnered, and $100 million dollars later with a global empire. A happy success story. But you now know how craved a pair of Jimmy Choo’s is.~

3. A weekend in a Spa Retreat

I know that I crave this one! And a girl can never crave too many spa retreats! A great retreat is the Enchantment Resort. This former private ranch in Red Rock Country has architecture that “blends in with the natural beauty of the surroundings.” Rooms in rich earth-tone colors include beehive fireplaces and decks with views of Boynton Canyon. Mii Amo, which means “one’s path” in the local Yuman language, incorporates Native American rituals into its Inner Quest spa treatment.

4. Designer Lip Gloss

Dior Addict Lip Gloss - $24.50

One of the easier things we can actually add to our beauty routine! Dior Lip Addict (that could not have been worded any better!) is a great lip gloss and something that we feel we need - and can actually have!

5. A Glass of Champagne

La Grande Champagne - Designer Champagne: Exclusive Veuve Cliquot in ice bucket casing

I can’t think of any better way to finish our search for the top five cravings than to finish with an exceptional glass of champagne. Designer champagne that is! These champagnes are never short of bliss, be it for the liquid inside or the casing outside. But what makes the La Grande special is that a special casket/casing that doubles up as an ice bucket. That has been touched upon by none other than Andree Putman, a leading interior designer of the modern world. This special luxurious offering is available with only selective dealers. And as they say, exclusivity never has refined price! So let us just end it here by citing an estimated value of around $485!

Source: Louis Vuitton, Bornrich.org, Conde Nast, Sephora, Jimmy Choo

Article by © Jacqueline H. - Senior Writer 2008

The Shoe Box announces their annual Fall/Winter Sale Weekend with 20% off their entire store — a vast selection of new Fall/Winter shoes, boots and handbags, October 17-19, 2008. Brands include KORS, Marc Jacobs, Chloe, Frye, Sergio Rossi, Guiseppe Zanotti, Cynthia Vincent, D&G, Rebecca Minkoff, Lauren Merkin, Botkier, Foley + Corinna and more. (Excludes Stuart Weitzman, Tory Burch and Ugg Australia)

Jeffrey Campbell Ruffy Dark Brown Leather Peep Toe Heel - $104.00 - Editor Pick

Jeffrey Campbell Ruffy Dark Brown Leather Peep Toe Heel has a very flirty row of ruffles lining the T strap of this beautiful platform heel.

DV Jade Dark Silver Metallic and Brown Mary Jane Heel - $96.00
DV Jade Dark Silver Metallic and Brown Mary Jane Heel is a funky way to wear a classic style.

Steve Madden Vulture Black Patent High Heel Oxford - $108.00

Steve Madden Vulture Black Patent High Heel Oxford is an updated and sexy office shoe.

Lulus.com is offering Couture in the City readers 15% off at checkout when you use the code coutureinthecity.

Jeffrey Campbell Wrap Platform - $140.00
Seriously strappy peeptoe twill upper with a tonal zipper closure at the back

Jeffrey Campbell Victor Bootie - $178.00

Jeffery Campbell bootie in antiqued leather. Scalloped around the laced placket and squared-off a bit at the toe.

Jeffrey Campbell Ruffle Platform Heel - $135.00
Cutout leather peeptoe upper trimmed with dainty pleats at the t-strap.
Shopping Source: UrbanOutffitters.com

Enter HERE by October 28th, 2008 for your chance to win!

And to give you a little inspiration on what to look for, I’ve already done some shopping for you…I know, it was a hard job, but somebody had to do it, right? After scouring the racks, I finally decided that an awesome dress and a timeless pair of shoes were just what my fall wardrobe needed:

Dress by Maggy London, $138.00

Did I mention that I am in love with this dress? Well, I am. I was going to pick out a totally safe and fall appropriate tan or navy dress, but after I saw this one, it was all over. I got about a hundred-million compliments on my ensemble at work, so I know it was a total hit. I just think that this dress is so edgy and can be worn so many different ways…I could pair it with metallic shoes for a disco-inspired look, or wear it with jeans and make it a slouchy tunic, or I could get really bright fuchsia tights and make it pop, or I could wear it under a solid-colored pea coat to tone it down…see? I can barely contain myself, I’m so excited about this dress.

Style&co. “Fleur” T-Strap Pump, $41.30

These were perhaps the steal of the day…I got these Style&co. t-strap pumps at my local Macy’s for a little less than the website has them offered, so it would be worth your while to actually go in and check them out in the store for a better deal. They are simply gorgeous, and I can’t wait to wear them with my other fall ensembles. I’m thinking textured tights, belted sweaters, fall floral print dresses…love it!

Ready to put together your own fall fashion ensemble? Then you’ve got to get to Macy’s…they have all everything that is right on-trend to create one great look after another. Cold weather is on its way! Better get to Macy’s and stock up on sweaters and tights and boots and all of those fun articles of clothing we have missed all summer long. Happy shopping, and don’t forget to enter our contest for your chance to win!

Sleek style transforms a classic with these peep toe Mary Jane pumps. Polished calf leather. Buckles on the side.

Shopping Source: Bebe.com

Now I really personally love Guess Pumps. Their young, classy, and sexy. You can dress them up or down. With a favorite skirt or dress. Or that infamous pair of jeans that you just love.

GUESS by Marciano - Leather Pump - $90.00. Dress up or down your look for the day or evening

Moving onto Stuart Weitzman Pumps. Who offers a more conservative approach to his shoes. With a lower heel, you can feel comfortable in. Though I do prefer his classic black suede platform pump.

Stuart Weitzman Tofu Suede Pump - Retails at Neiman Marcus for $315.00

Get flashy with a designer Sergio Rossi sandal pump - Retails at $650

With designer fair in mind upon purchasing you’re Sergio Rossi Sandals.
Even though we are officially nearing the end of summer. You can still get away with wearing a pair of those designer sandals on those last days of summer. Plus, a Sergio Rossi sandal makes for a great dressy evening shoe.

Looks great with the two-tone pink and black!

Senior Writer’s Choice - “An easy way to add some subtle color to your fall wardrobe. For a casual lunch look with jeans or simply with a monochrome outfit for a sleek office look. Shown here with a Couture Couture dress, a Stella McCartney clutch and a Roberto Cavalli bracelet.”

Source: TheFind.com

Nine West Fall Collection:

(from top) Dasolina, Galen, Iam and Yung

The guessing game is over…Nine West makes finding the perfect fall footwear a breeze with their latest collection. Incorporating all of the hottest up-to-the minute trends with classic lines, these shoes are a must for any wardrobe. And after all…they are from Nine West, so you know that these shoes will last you more than one season.

The Dasolina ($99) is perhaps the perfect dress shoe for Fall ‘08…in purple, it is a sultry winner that will take you into spring and beyond. Suede, peep toe and luxe strappy accents make this the perfect shoe to pair with a fall floral dress, textured tights and a cardigan.

The Galen ($250) is the perfect accessory for any Boho fashionista to transition from summer flip flops to fall fabulous. Tuck your skinny jeans into these with a floaty top or pair with a simple dress and a jean jacket for rugged sophistication.

Every girls’ wardrobe deserves at least one pair of pretty shoes, and the Iam ($109) fits the bill. Sure, a lacy ankle boot isn’t going to be useful for every day, but who cares? They’ll be great for the holiday season, and even better for date night. This sassy pair is available for pre-order now, so if visions of ankle boots are dancing in your head, order these now, because I bet they won’t last. Hot!

And finally, channel your inner Mary Kate with these Yung ($119) strappy heels. These fierce yet feminine high heels are the perfect companion to all of those patent mini-skirts and shrunken leather jackets that are going to be everywhere this fall and winter. These heels are super luxe, and also available for preorder, so get yours now.

If you are still feeling clueless about fall fashion shoe trends, head over to Nine West and get the scoop. Just remember to look for suede, lace and multi-trap details to put the finishing touches on your fall ensembles.