wedges

April 12, 2012

When it comes to pushing the fashion envelope in footwear design, Jeffrey Campbell continues to shock and awe us with his skills and imagination. In true daredevil style, the JC girl is undaunted by the hype of her” can’t-touch-me platform,” a true collector of the latest, greatest, statement-making shoes.

The latest Jeffrey Campbell shoe collaboration is with Black Milk Clothing, now available for pre-order, only at Solestruck.com. This idiosyncratic alliance makes sense in its own odd way. Black Milk Clothing is most well-known for their patterned leggings, from Beetlejuice stripes to Galaxy prints, the way-out patterns shun the trends that guide the popular fashion world. Jeffrey Campbell creates shoes from a vintage angle, also with the bias for a street style sentiment. The new collection flaunts the “Sick of Men” print and a “Galaxy” print, to name few, in heels and platforms that just plain rock.

Go ahead, stop traffic.

-Alana Quagliariello

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March 23, 2012

Aldo RISE: Designer Collaborations for SS12

by fashion pulse contributor

Faster by Mark Fast “Cregger”

JW Anderson “Weatherbee”

Aldo RISE, the latest collaboration endeavor between Aldo and innovative, fresh design talent, is an ascent into fashion-forward footwear for Spring 2012.

Meet the designers working with Aldo to turn their visions into being, a deed designers only dream of: JW Anderson, Faster by Mark Fast, Christian Cota, Cushnie Et Ochs, Libertine, and Preen.

The name of the game is presence, as each designer creates a unique look all their own. For instance, the stiletto makes a sharp comeback with JW Anderson’s Weatherbee ($155), an unbeatable look for a night out on the town. While, Mark Fast’s platform Cregger pump ($155), available in both patent and suede, is both sexy and bright, standing out in an entirely different way.

Libertine “Allor“

Preen “Paider”

Libertine’s printed wedge Allor platform ($155) is the love child of rebellion and practicality, an ideal look with spring’s fantastic dresses, skirts and shorts. Or try Preen’s color blocked Paider heels ($155) to transition you from the office to date night. Romantic and feminine, these are spot-on with spring’s pastel trend craze.

To shop, click here. Each designer certainly “rises” to the occasion!

For more information, check out http://www.facebook.com/ALDO or aldorise.tumblr.com.

-Alana Quagliariello

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March 8, 2012

UGG Australia: Women’s Spring 2012 Collection

by fashion pulse contributor

“California Dream”

When you think of UGG Australia, you may already think of transitioning to California beach living, a breezy lifestyle characterized by comfort, crashing waves and raffia wedges. UGG journeyed back in time to the California of the 1940s, a more glamorous era of sunshine and sophistication. The brand’s version of the “California Dream” centers around color and print as the mediums for artistic freedom.

Lucianna

The company’s roots run deep in California, as is evidenced by the new chic silhouettes harkening to the days when dancing on a yacht along the Malibu coastline was commonplace. The Isla Collection boasts bright and strappy espadrilles, while the Clog Collection uses leathers, suedes, and cotton weaves with floral perforated mosaic patterns. Meanwhile, the new Comfort and Beach Casual Collections feature none other but the fashionable, comfortable flip flop. Other collections include Sport, Classic, Classic Knit, and Lo Pro.

Classic Straw Tote and Santorini ikat Scarf BagFrayed Solid Pareo Wrap

Continuing with this theme, UGG’s apparel options fit right in with young Hollywood style. Lightweight ponchos will battle rainy days while those chillier nights will call for bomber jackets in soft goat suede. Hooded silk wraps (of the Shangri-La Collection) make a strong comeback in every shade from boysenberry to black and white. Lifestyle pieces run rampant in this seasonal collection including V-neck tanks, racer backs and more.

(The collections mentioned will be available at UGG Australia retail locations, www.uggaustralia.com, and several department stores in January 2012.)

“UGG Collection“

Things really heated up, or, at least my pulse quickened, with the delivery of UGG Collection’s bold designs in exotic materials. Talk. About. Luxe! Inspired by Mid-Century Modern architecture and furniture, the UGG Collection offers a more refined on footwear and handbags. Natural elements of water, sea glass, shells and indigenous plants to the Adriatic coast elevate this line to another level.

Marcella

All materials used for this particular line are sourced in Italy, including stingray, salmon skin, python, ostrich leathers and more! These are the furthest thing from your furry, worn in UGG boots. You’ll want to treat these with ultimate care as the collection flaunts sensuous sculptured heels out of a richly veined rosewood (most often used for making guitars!) and hardware.

Onorina

We are already coveting The Onorina, an open toe bootie featuring hand-woven tanned leathers, and the impeccable Amara Tote duplicated in the same vachetta leather. Price points for footwear range from $550-$950 and handbags from $495 to $995, available only at select high-end retailers, UGG Flagship stores and at www.uggaustralia.com as of February 1, 2012.

-Alana Quagliariello

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November 10, 2011

Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent: Ephemeral Ease for Spring 2012

by fashion pulse contributor

After previewing the SS12 lineup of Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent, all I can think of is traveling. It’s that simple; the line allured me to a bohemian, distant land where maxi dresses, tunic blouses, and basic slips gracefully coexist and transition from an early stroll to an evening beach gathering around a fire pit.

The collection portrayed an ephemeral ease that can only be produced in such one-of-a-kind prints such as Ikat, Bow and Arrow, Peacock Floral, Powder Floral, Kaleidoscope, and Patchwork. Glorious color remains prominent for spring in shoes (ballet flats, cork platforms, and espadrilles), bags, and apparel alike. The palette of melon, chartreuse, hibiscus, teal, blush, black, and violet provides endless options to introduce new shades into your wardrobe.

I ‘m impressed with the convertible skirt (pictured above), which works as both a maxi dress and a maxi skirt. I also adore the mini dresses (summer knits and soft slips), great for a beach cover up or a night on the town. The collection left an impression in its effortless transitional capabilities, and with one piece, you have plenty of easy-to-wear chic options.