SNEAK PEEK OF DESIGNER SHOES PRE-FALL 2016

Charlotte Olympia latest collection is themed as “Mid-Century Art” by masters such as Wassily Kandinsky and Salvadore Dalí. You can learn a terrific art history lesson while shopping for your shoes.

Tabitha Simmons decorated the shoes with fun patterned heat-transfer colorful beads, a chic update for pre-fall.


Rupert Sanderson custom-created these Lucite heels with hand-painted gold flocking in both a wedge and an updated block heel for pre-fall.


Alexandre Birman had a Seventies mood and its rich colors in mind when he paired his signature python with color-blocked suedes and chunky heels and a fringe detail.


As a longtime advocate of the fashionable sneaker, Ruthie Davis showed fashion wedge booties for pre-fall collection.


Nicholas Kirkwood is going for dots on pre-fall collection, along with the signature pearls between the sole and the heel.


Paul Andrew developed this toe wall around heeled sandals that gives a platform effect while remaining single-soled.

Dannijo Shoes featured their signature jewels on bridal satin shoe collections of pre-fall.

BEST STYLED – DESIGN YOUR OWN 4 INCH POINTED TOE PUMPS

4 inch pointed toe pumps are the must-have for several seasons already. This simple and elegant style is beloved by the celebrities and fashion divas. It’s feminine, sexy and goes with just about anything. No wardrobe is complete without a pair of 4 inch pointed toe pumps. Whether in red, black, hot pink or nude, you will find it really handy to style for almost any occasion.

Pop The Color

You can add the freshness to any look by pairing the outfit with color-pop pointed toe pumps, which can be bright red, orange, bright yellow, neon green etc. The shoes will instantly brighten up everything and get yourself in a good mood.

Style Formal

If your style is classic, you can pair your pointed toe pumps with a dress, a blazer jacket or a pencil skirt, to command respect and radiate your confidence. With a head piece like Kate Middleton, your style can be close to royal.

Style Casual

For a night out, you can balance the look with your leather pants like Olivia Palermo or your short skirts, together with a pair of 4 inch pointed toe pumps, to make a fashion statement. Or, be comfy and trendy, to pair your shoes with your boyfriend jeans and a nice sweater like Kate Moss.

HOW TO STYLE FLATFORM SHOES

Flatforms are the big trend for spring summer 2015. They elongate your legs and add length to your silhouette with casual cool feel. The body weight is evenly distributed on the architectural structured flatform soles, which combined fashion with comfort much easier to wear compared to the delicate stilettos.
So how to style the flatforms for this spring & summer? This part wedge, part flat shoe style is definitely the best option for getting a long-and-lean looks with long dress, shorts, skinny or wide pants. The trick is to keep it simple and inventive. Tassel dresses or skirts are particularly a match made in heaven with these shoes.
Scroll down to see our favorite flatform street styles of celebrities, models and fashion bloggers. Get inspired for your own flatform wardrobe!

CULTURE HACKS: SPRING SOCIAL

After the brutality that winter wreaks on our social lives, some of us emerge from hibernation feeling a little…uh…rusty.  Here’s 5 tricks we follow to get us back into tiptop shape. Or at least feeling somewhat human again.

ICE BREAKERS: Hi. I’m _________. A simple “Hello”  (and maybe a relevant follow-up question like “how do you know the bride” or “have you tried Kevin’s BBQ yet?”) is really all it takes.

SIGNATURE DRINK: Do you really need a spring water ice-cube and a sprig of fresh thyme imported from Greece? Ermmm, you’re holding the party up. Keep it simple, stud.

WINGMAN: We get it, you want a little back up. But beware the wingman relationship that holds you back. Sometimes striking out on your own is where the real adventure is.

EATING IN PUBLIC: Nobody cares if you know which fork to use, but if you’re at an event nice enough to wear closed-toe shoes, you may as well use those manners your mama taught you.

DANCE MOVES: Look, you do you. All we’re saying is, if you is a dancer who needs A LOT OF physical space to get down, try not to poke anyone’s eyeballs out.

Now get out into the world and enjoy!

CULTURE HACKS: WEEKEND CHILL

How to squeeze out every last drop of summer!

It’s been hot for like, a minute, and you’ve already done the requisite summer activities: sat on a patio, gone to the beach. Have no fear. We’ve got a handful of DIY weekend projects to get you back in the summer saddle.

Take A Bike Trip

When was the last time you got on your bike and just rode around? Why not pack a bag with the essentials and hit the open road? With minimal planning you can find tons of great campsites, and staring up at a sky full of stars is well worth it.

Build Something

You’ve got hands? Why not use them to do DIY things! From DIY speakers out of paper cups to a wooden bottle opener to a hammock you can laze around in.

Create Your Own Obstacle Course

You could buy the schematics to build your own backyard obstacle course (like a devil ladder and curved wall) or you could just gather up a bunch of materials (like pool noodles, water balloons, old car tires and – why not? -a piñata) and get creative.

Throw A Killer BBQ

Ok, if you start right now, you can host the greatest barbeque of life tomorrow. Clear out some space, grab some dogs and burgers and ribs (tip: soak the ribs in cola for a few hours before cooking) plus a bevy of cold drinks and make a party playlist. Call the crew and get grillin’.

CULTURE HACKS: SUMMER FUN HUN

How to squeeze out every last drop of summer!
Remember plodding through the winter weather, yearning for the days when you could lounge around under the sun in sandaled feet with painted toes? Now the time has come, are you making the most of these warm summer days? Here’s five easy ways to make every weekend a mini vacation.

Build a backyard campsite
What, just because you’re not 12 anymore you’re too old for a slumber party? Poppycock! Rig up a tent with some string, bed sheets and tons of pillows. Then build your own outdoor theater with a white sheet, a projector, and plenty of popcorn.

Sew a Seed
Looking for something a little more contemplative? Try gardening. If you’re a newbie, start with mint – it’s inexpensive and easy. Plus, using the leaves for mojitos later will make you feel like a real pro.

Host a picnic
Host your own elegant alfresco meal! Gather some vintage blankets and pile your china high with cheese and grapes, and cucumber sandwiches. Oh, and definitely make these awesome candle holders for the event.

Get Your Vitamin D
So you’ve done it all? Before you start your next project take a minute to appreciate what you’ve got. Clear your schedule, grab something to read and a tall lemonade, and soak in the rays (with the requisite protection, of course!).

SIDE BY SIDE: FOOLPROOF FLIP-FLOPS

Flip-flops. As a casual footwear statement, they’re as decisive as it gets. When you slip on a pair of thong sandals, it’s a low-stress, low-stakes scenario. That in no way suggests, of course, that you have to completely let yourself go when you hit the beach or the pool. You can totally preserve your fashion cred with this downtime slip-on. Fact is, flip-flops have come a long way from those disposable, old school models you wore as a kid. And by the way, they’re not just for swimming lessons anymore.

Granted, unless your boss’s notion of Casual Friday is insanely chill, you’re probably not wearing flip-flops to the office. But outside the office? Different story. The latest styles of thong sandals match up with a wide range of summer looks. Tapered pants with sleek tees or untucked, short-sleeve button-down shirts complement flip-flops well; just substitute in place of your favorite sneakers or boat shoes. Other than that wedding or fancy cocktail there’s really no wrong play here. On a casual brunch date, at that new neighbourhood coffee shop, on a walk through the park; a sharp, well-made pair of sandals gets the job done. It’s summertime guys. Free up those feet, fashionably, with the right flip-flops.

DETAILS DETAILS: OUTTA SIGHT

015 by ALDO TEAM

Sunglasses are essential. Don’t blow it.

Sunglasses. The ultimate fashion necessity and accessory. A well-chosen pair can elevate your entire look and make a powerful statement. No need to squint, gentlemen. Spruce up your shades game with these four styles and get on with your summer with confidence.

Browline frames cut a bookish and sexy look. A retro style for narrower, more chiseled faces, these sunglasses sport a classic and assertive browline. The funky, animal print color scheme balances it out and sets a playful tone for fun times under the sun.

Trapezoidal frames, a revered and iconic style long-associated with dashing wayfarers, look sharp on almost any face shape. Make no mistake about it: this is a bold, no-nonsense eyewear choice guaranteed to turn heads.

Want to commemorate International Sunglasses Day (it’s a thing, believe it or not) on June 27 with a little youthful exuberance and panache? Throw on this blue tinted number to instantly spice up your casual summer looks.

Classic aviator sunglasses never go out of style. Ever. No matter what your face shape, wardrobe choice, or hair style, these shades have you covered. Versatile? You bet. Dress them up at a business lunch or play it cool on the weekend, no sweat.

INSPIRED BY TRAVEL: MEET DJ WILL POWER

It’s house music and house parties for this world traveller

Say hello to Will Power Smith. Sure, he’s got a rad name befitting a superhero, but his powers are decidedly musical: he learned how to DJ from his brother at the tender age of 9. Now this Londoner plays some of the most massive house parties in town and beyond. After spending his youth in the natural beauty of the Cotswolds, Power Smith spends his days traveling the world to play shows. And if his Insta’s any indication, this sneakerhead could teach us a thing or two about surf, soccer, cycling, seeing the world, and relaxing on the beach. So, you see, he uses his powers for good.

Tell us about how you got into making music.
I was DJing at an early age and then I actually got into playing the guitar; my focus changed from dance music to rock music. I was more into Nirvana and that. I was in bands and found myself trying to write all the parts for all the songs until I pissed everyone off.

What do you think changed?
I got this new first music software. You could plug your guitar into it and that would go into a USB on your computer, which would then record the guitar. So I started recording all the bits. I made the beats and stuff and it was so basic at the time but it was amazing, this freedom to be able to do all these things that I wanted to do myself. It wasn’t until a year or two before I went to uni that I got back into dance music and house music.

Now you tour a lot. Do you have any tips or philosophies when it comes to travel?
I travel as light as possible because I love nipping into shops to grab my basics. I’ve got a couple of my essential things. I have my USB’s, my headphones, my laptop.

What are some of the places you like to go to discover new musicians and new sounds in London?
London is really inspiring. And Shoreditch, similar to places like Berlin, there’s lots of new stars coming out all the time. The clubs are open really late. There’s always something going on, and all of my friends are there, too. There’s a handful of venues that we go to which always have cool new DJs, mostly in Shoreditch or Dalston. Places like The Nest, XOYO, Village Underground, Uruguay. I hang out a lot at Shoreditch House, and I’ve played a couple of nights there as well.

How does the nightlife influence the way you dress? Do you dress differently for day versus night?
During the day I’ll just wear a t-shirt and a skinny jean. I like to dress up at night: usually a black skinny jean, maybe a black or a white tee and a black jacket. Depends on where I’m going, what clubs I’m going to.

INSPIRED BY COLOR: MEET MODEL IRENE KIM

Korea’s most in-demand model on her personal style

Is Irene Kim personally responsible for the global uptick in rainbow hair hues? It’s seriously possible, given her fashion cred: this street style magnet has modeled for Stella McCartney and Chanel, among others. Not to mention her own massive following: she’s a contributing editor for fashion magazines in Korea, and hosts two fashion and beauty TV shows in Seoul. Born in Seattle, Washington Kim moved to Korea after middle school. A self-professed jewelry addict, she doesn’t go anywhere without a handful of rings – we’re talking 8 to 10, sometimes more. Her inspiration? She cites My Little Pony half-jokingly, and in all seriousness, color, in general.

How did your hair evolve into this glorious rainbow mane?
It was really organic…I started doing bleach ombré and then one day I just wanted to do color. Something different. Blue was first, and then I got into purple and then into pink, and then my hair stylist and I were like ‘Let’s do some crazy stuff, why not?’

When did you feel like you really established your personal style?
When I first dyed it blue, my agency in Korea freaked out. They were like ‘You are not going to get any work. You’re going to get dropped from all your jobs.’ And now I’m working more and it’s become my trademark. And it really shows that individuality is good! I have always loved expressing myself through the way I dress…I think it really went full-blown when I started coloring my hair.

Who are some of your fashion or style idols?
I really like Rihanna a lot, because she’s such a risk taker…she wears what she wants to wear, carries herself with confidence and I think that’s the most important. She’s awesome.

Does traveling between New York, Seoul, London, and Paris influence the way that you dress?
It definitely influences me. I get really inspired by my surroundings. London is really fun…I was really shocked when I went because last March was my first time, and it was so cool! Everyone there has rainbow hair, I fit in! I think I should live in London, because I didn’t really stand out there!

You’re friends with lots of K-Pop celebrities. Does the music scene in Seoul impact your style? K-Pop is just such a huge global phenomenon.
I didn’t realize that until I started coming back to the States more often and my non-Korean friends were singing K-Pop more than me! So I was very surprised. I think it plays a big role. I think the K-Pop scene definitely opened doors for Korean Fashion and beauty.

You mentioned going through your grandmother’s jewelry. What did she teach you about style? 
She’s amazing. She’s always put together: she always has pink lipstick on and blinged out glasses, grandma-style vintage. I think I’ve learned from her to always be presentable, and I think that’s important. I’m not saying that looks are the most important but if you’re going for an interview or a date or whatever, be your best self. She has this amazing leopard print mink coat that I stole from her. No, I mean borrowed! She hasn’t asked for it back yet, so…

FINAL TOUCH: BREAK THE MONOTONY

Suede oxfords and a grey suit? Yessir.

Clothes don’t make the man, they say. That is certainly true. But, by the same token, let’s not pretend appearances don’t matter. They most assuredly do. Of course, this doesn’t mean you need to have a Savile Row tailor at your beck and call in order to make a good impression. Casual-wear, even artfully schlumpy-wear, can pack the right punch in the right hands. At the end of the day, a dynamic sense of personal style has to come from a sincere place. Intuitively knowing what to wear with what–and when–helps.

Take the quintessential light grey suit, for example. It’s one of those wardrobe stalwarts you don’t necessarily pay any mind to until you realize you need it. Fact is, a well-pressed light grey suit is brilliant come summer and fall–and always will be. When paired with blue-hued, and even lightly-patterned, dress shirts, its effect can be striking.

Footwear-wise you can go in a few different directions here but consider a brown suede oxford. The sharp hit of textural and tonal contrast this shoe provides is very simpatico. A light grey suit and brown dress lace-ups: a beautiful way to pump up your style game this season, at the office, and out on the town.

DETAILS DETAILS: HATS TO HAVE

Channeling that ‘70s vibe, the hats to have now.

There is a major 1970s revival under way on the international fashion runways this season. Quintessential items like flares, platforms, fringe and suede certainly dominated, but perhaps most ubiquitous to the mix was the fedora. Oh, how we love the look it reminisces! Think Brigitte Bardot and Bianca Jagger: two otherworldly icons from the decade who wore their wide-brimmed hats with aplomb and the requisite attitude to match. They looked effortlessly cool and not at all high-maintenance. ‘Tis true testimony on the power of fashion.

Fast forward to today and these chapeaus remain seriously au courant trumping the scarf trend and finding themselves on the heads of the famous like Nicole Richie, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Kim Kardashian. All have been snapped wearing a plethora of different styles and colours. Nicole favours classic and structured cuts in burgundy felt and matching ribbon while Mrs. West tends to keep it casual in slouchy, oversized versions in neutral shades. You too can take your look to next level status just as easily by staying equally as flexible. Pair your pencil-leg jeans and slouchy sweater with a starchy emerald green fedora that draws attention and aahs to your most beautiful asset, your face. Or, for the bohemian babe, take the oversized floppy hat in steely grey or black and perch it at the crown of your head to keep the look feminine and girly, especially when outfitted with your best floral maxi. The point in all of this is to stay optimistic and stay fearless: your style is your message, and the world is certainly interested in hearing it.

SIDE BY SIDE: LOOK SHARP LIVE SMART

Go from work to weekend–and back–with one shoe. 

Some shoes can do it all, within limits of course. May we submit the humble but valuable loafer? Or, in this case, if you so prefer, the driver or moccasin. In black, this classic is a wardrobe must. But you probably know that.

Still, say for argument’s sake you don’t. Just examine all the ways this shoe can complement work and weekend life. With dress socks, dark and tapered trousers, and a slim shirt and blazer, a black suede loafer cuts a killer profile. This is what well-groomed up-and-comers want at the office, on a business trip, or at a work engagement.

Which takes us to look number two. It is the weekend, or a weekday after work, you are off the clock, and you have a date, a dinner, a function–somewhere to be. That somewhere is not exactly informal, but far from tuxedo and top hat time. Find the middle ground. The black suede loafers can stay, naturally, but lose the socks. Chill the look out some more with earth tones–khaki chinos are a safe bet, and a casual dress shirt. Layer with a slim-fit jacket or blazer for good measure, and cuff the sleeves. Rock those moccasins well, gentlemen; they are, without doubt, a foundational piece of footwear.

RINGS AND THINGS: CAMEL BLACK

There’s something beautifully serene about the colour camel. Classic, but still on-trend it’s a calm neutral shade that evokes a luxurious, well-made sentiment no matter what the price point. Alexander Wang is a fan, so is Mulberry. Both have showcased polished camel toppers in their fall 2015 collections, and you would be remiss to scan any street style photos and not see the fashionable set snapped in this quintessential tone. It has become ubiquitous on the runway and the high street because it meshes with every other colour in the wheel but perhaps most alluring is when it’s paired with our beloved black. The fall season’s must-have combo, imagine a camel coat over a nubby black turtleneck and slim leather leggings or substitute this slick city look for a white tee, ripped jeans and a cozy (yet causal) black and camel-striped scarf  – quite perfect for those Sunday’s spent brunching.

Come Monday, change up your office attire routine by swapping out your tote for one of the bigger accessory trends to hit the market: the backpack. Once relegated to schoolyards and playgrounds, we love this grown-up leather version with oversized zipper detail. We imagine it for the busy sophisticate who needs her hands free to sip that cappuccino all the while looking so cool in her commute.