Shop This: Matt Bernson Sample Sale

Peep This: Jerome Rousseau A/W '11 Campaign with Siobhan Fahey

I first met shoe designer Jerome C. Rousseau a few years ago, and I was charmed by his youthful exuberance and playful yet undeniably luxurious designs (is there a finer combination? Seems unlikely.) My love of Jerome has, thankfully, been reinforced by the amazing Autumn/Winter campaign images that just crossed my inbox, featuring pint-sized pop powerhouse Siobhan Fahey - founding member of the iconic '80s Brit girl group Bananarama and later, the band Shakespeares Sister (STAYYYY).

Time has treated Siobahn well, and she's still adorable and sexy. The series of playfully eccentric images, live now on site, was shot by Patrick Fraser and inspired, in large part, by legendary 1970s performer and choreographer Lola Falana.

Do these snaps inspire you to add any Jerome Rousseau shoes to your fall shopping list? While I might need to be BURIED in them to justify CPW, I'm admittedly tempted by the knee-high leopard wedge boots...meow!

Mark Your Cals: UGG COLLECTION Launch

To call me an UGG Australia afficiado is a generous understatement. When it comes down to nitty-gritty, bitter cold winter weather, I can think of no shoe or boot I'd rather have on my feet. In fact, earlier this year, I even submitted a v. special request to UGG via Twitter - namely a request that they make a full body suede and shearling-lined snuggie for cold-weather climates like New York.  FINE, that might be excessive. And admittedly, the folks at UGG apparently found my idea ridiculous, as they haven't behooved my request. Yet. I mean, I am holding out HOPE over here.

I digress.

UGG's making a big move this September with the launch of the all new UGG COLLECTION, inspired by the rustic luxury of Italy. The high-end collection pays homage to the centuries-long history of fine craftsmanship and superior materials for which the region is known and will be available at select high-end retailers, UGG Flagship stores and www.uggaustralia.com beginning on September 1, 2011. Price points for footwear range from USD $495-$1195 and handbags range from USD $650 - $1950 - pricey, I know!

For a preview of select UGG Collection boots, take a gander through the gallery - and tell all, do any styles tempt you, your wallet, the like?

Guest OOTD: LOFT Over the Knee Riding Boots

This time of year is always exciting because it brings out all of my favorite types of clothing. Sweaters! Tights! Scarves! And of course the grand master of fall style: Boots.

Since I've never been much of a tall heel girl (however phenomenal they look, my tendency to trip while navigating a sidewalk makes them somewhat problematic), I adore flat riding boots. They truly and honestly go with EVERYTHING and can pull any ensemble together. I've been looking for a pair of versatile over-the-knee flats and I'm thrilled with the Peter Over the Knee Riding Boot from LOFT (enough to do my first ever OOTD).

These bad boys are going to get a LOT of wear this Autumn.

Head to toe:

• Glasses: Ralph Lauren
• Earrings: Loyalty & Blood
• Cashmere Sweater: Land's End Canvas
• Dress: American Eagle Outfitters
• Tights: H&M
• Boots: LOFT

 

Editor's Note: Special thanks to LOFT for sending over these gorgeous OTK Riding Boots for review. I wish my heifer calves would fit into them, but alas no. Thankfully, they've found a HAPPY home with the gorgeous Heather. Get more love from from her over at hi. i'm heather.

Photo credit: Felicia "loves a good navy" Sullivan

Trend Alert: OTK Boots

Pretty Woman jokes be damned, over the knee (or OTK) boots are one of Fall's key trends. Thus far, I've only seen one or two New York friends attempt this one - and just a handful on the streets. But in London and today in Paris, the trend was out in full force.

To rock this trend appropriately, try a flat style or a low heel...even the Sergio Rossi above get a little iffy, to be honest, and be sure to keep the rest of your look simple and low key - nothing remotely tarty allowed.

While I had fun pulling together a few of my fave over the knee styles for the season, I've got to admit, my legs are far too short to attempt this trend. What do you think? Will you be rocking some OTK boots this season?

Sneak Preview! Nine West Fall/Holiday 2009

Tory Burch: Fall 2009 Preview

Today, I paid a visit to the gorgeous Tory Burch showroom for an up-close and personal preview of the Fall 2009 collection.  Key trends from the collection include boy-meets-girl, punk rock (pyramid studs abound on bags, shoes, even classic Tory tunics), military and nautical (admittedly, an oddity for Fall.) 

Of course, it goes without saying that the now-iconic Reva flat is included in the collection - this season reinvented in a stingray-patterned leather, among others. Boots were a standout for the season, with updated takes on the L.L. Bean-style duck boot, as well as the Ugg (but Tory's version is much sleeker, more modern).  Another personal fave for me were intensely bold statement necklaces, several adorned with feathers. They start at about $425...I will be reserving a portion of my fall budget in that direction for sure.

Burch recently recruited Honor Brodie, former Assistant Managing Editor of InStyle (and part of their editorial staff for 12 years), as Editorial Director, E-Commerce. Her influence shows on the newly re-launched site, which takes on new life thanks to lifestyle-driven content including Trends Decoded (style tips from Tory), Best Dressed (street style), Tory Entertains (tips on entertaining) and Guest Editor Wish Lists.

Be sure to check out the site and of course, take a gander through the gallery to view several of my favorite pieces. Stay tuned; next up for Tory Burch is an optical collection by Luxotica, launching in September.

 

Not Your Mother's Crocs...

Crocs enthusiasts will vehemently defend themselves with the argument that they're the most comfortable shoes ever made. I'm sure they are (they're made out of some sort of foam after all), but since I'm not a dental hygienist or other scrub-donning professional, they just never found a home in my wardrobe. But, it looks like those clever Crocs folks put their heads together to devise a smart concept - take those ultra comfy foam soles, but make them pretty! Oh hello, YOU by Crocs!

The YOU by Crocs winter line has around 25 styles of boots and shoes (no clogs to be found!), which have a leather upper and the sole made from the Crocs special sauce (a patented resin called croslite). 

I personally own the Complicated Contessa boots and they really are unbelievably comfortable. The first time I wore them, I put them on at the start of what was going to be a 12 hour day (crazy, I know); however, at the end of the day I still had a spring in my step, which is particularly amazing since they are high heels. Those heels, in fact, are 3 3/4"  of lightweight, ergonomic, odor resistant, anti microbial, recycled goodness. I guess you could say I'm a Crocs convert...

- Kristen Vang, Guest Blogger