My New Favorite Shoes!

I have a deep and abiding love affair with menswear. Dude duds have appealed to me since my early teens when I grabbed a shirt from my dad’s closet and wore it until it was threadbare. Cuff links, button down shirts with a vest and tie--I wear them all. In the 1990s I had a thrift store tuxedo tailored to fit me. Although the occasions to wear it were few, it was the sexiest suit I ever owned.

For the past few seasons I’ve been obsessed with women’s brogues, particularly wild for wingtips. I trolled the Internet like a hungry man looking for a club sandwich, and drooled when I found them in Schiaparelli pink patent leather, midnight blue suede, and silver leather with purple soles. Those shoes came with price tags that seemed to increase exponentially with number of letters in the designer’s name (Yohji Yamamoto and Fratelli Rosetti were more expensive than Bass), so I deferred purchase.

I was in London's Greenwich Market recently when Cupid’s arrow nicked my ankle as I passed a merchant featuring affordable women’s brogues in luscious, colorful leathers. I fell in love with every shoe on display, and bought a pair of adorable saddle tan and navy brogues that I’ll wear forever. Check them out!

Highs and Lows--the Shoes of Spring

Jimmy Choo

Ladylike pointy toe pumps are smokin’ hot this spring, and so are sporty, menswear inspired oxfords.  Here’s why you want them both:

Pointy toe pumps have an amazing leg lengthening ability, and will make your limbs look sleeker and sexier.  They lend a classic glamour to everything and you’ll feel elegant when you stride into the board room or ball room.  My favorites this season include the elegant Coach “Ellin” pump, which comes in a multitude of colors and finishes, including a Coach signature fabric in black or khaki.  It’ll add about $168 to your credit card balance.  I also love Calvin Klein’s “Dolly” leopard print pumps.  They’ll set you back $89, but you can choose from sumptuous suede, sizzling snake print, or a metallic finish.  J. Renee has a simply irresistible sky blue patent leather pump for $99, and GoJane.com is featuring a $19 orange faux patent leather pump that will glam up any look.

At the other end of the spectrum are super cute oxfords.  I‘m delighted to see these fabulous lace ups in the spring 2013 lineup.  These are my weekend go-to shoes--they‘re perfect for errands, gallery hopping, or hanging with your besties.  This year’s models combine comfort with sassy styling and unexpected punches of color.  Here’s what I like at DSW.com: the $34.95 "Not Rated Lulu" oxford flat which comes in a pretty paisley print with a shot of neon color at the heel; and the $39.95 "Envy Waltz" oxford in metallic leather. The steal of the day is at Eddiebauer.com--the Bass "Ramona" oxford which is clearance priced at $49.99.  The Ramona features a 3” heel and the trademark Bass red rubber sole. At Lulus.com I fell for the adorable Michael Antonio Peter "Rhinestone" wingtips for $48.

Bass's Ramona Oxford

These luscious treats are healthier and less fattening for you than candy, so indulge!  You know you want to!  I know I want to!!